Bind Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bind

[baษชnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to tie

To fasten or secure with a band or bond. To form a close emotional or intellectual connection with. To impose a legal or moral obligation on.

Synonyms

connect, fasten, obligate, secure, tie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bind

Use in contexts where something is being held together tightly, either physically or metaphorically. Also applicable to legally or morally forced situations.

  • He used a rope to bind the packages together.
  • The contract will bind all parties to its terms.
  • Friendship can bind us in times of need.
tie

Applies when fastening with a string, rope, or similar item. Can also be used metaphorically for relationships or scores.

  • He used a rope to tie the package.
  • The game ended in a tie.
  • Tie up your shoelaces before you trip.
fasten

Used when securely fixing or attaching something, typically with a physical mechanism like a clasp or button.

  • Please fasten your seatbelt.
  • She fastened the necklace around her neck.
  • Make sure to fasten the lid tightly.
secure

Used when ensuring something is safe or tightly in place. Can be physical security or achieving certainty.

  • He secured the door with a heavy lock.
  • The company secured a deal with a new client.
  • The nurse secured the bandage around the wound.
connect

Appropriate for situations where things are being linked together, either physically, digitally, or emotionally. Less strong than 'bind'.

  • He used a cable to connect the printer to the computer.
  • Their love for music connected them instantly.
  • Please connect to the Wi-Fi network.
obligate

Refers to being required to do something, often due to a legal or moral necessity. Has a formal tone.

  • The contract obligates them to provide service for two years.
  • You are not obligated to answer that question.
  • Parents are obligated to care for their children.

Examples of usage

  • She binded the papers together with a ribbon.
  • Their shared love for music binded them together as friends.
  • The contract binded him to fulfill his duties.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In the works of William Shakespeare, to bind someone often referred to emotional entanglement, reflecting complex human relationships.
  • The connection between characters can be metaphorical; for instance, in many stories, bonds symbolize love, loyalty, or duty.
  • In classic poetry, binding is a recurring theme, often used to illustrate the ties between nature and humanity.

Science

  • In chemistry, 'binding' describes how atoms or molecules stick together, forming compounds essential for life.
  • The concept of binding is crucial in biology; for example, enzymes bind with substrates to enable chemical reactions in our bodies.
  • In physics, binding energy determines the stability of an atomic nucleus, influencing the elements in the universe.

Art

  • In bookbinding, artists and craftspersons assemble pages to create a cohesive whole, merging art with functionality.
  • Visual artists often discuss how elements of their work can bind together through color and composition, creating unity.
  • The metaphor of binding is also prevalent in modern art, where artists explore the concept of connections between people and society.

Cultural Practices

  • Binding rings or cords have historical significance in various cultures, symbolizing unity in marriages and alliances.
  • In some Indigenous cultures, binding materials from nature reflects a deep connection to the environment and heritage.
  • Several traditional crafts involve binding materials together, demonstrating both functional and artistic purposes.

Origin of 'bind'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'bindan', meaning to fasten or tie.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, with similar meanings in related languages, indicating a long history of using binding objects.
  • Related forms in other languages (like 'binde' in Dutch) also convey the idea of fastening, showing a shared linguistic heritage.

The word 'bind' originated from Old English 'bindan', meaning 'to tie up'. Throughout history, 'bind' has been used in various contexts, from physical tying to emotional connections. It has evolved to encompass legal and moral obligations, reflecting the complexity of human relationships and responsibilities.


See also: binder, binding, bindingness, unbind.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,584 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.