bind

I. verb (bound; binding) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bindan; akin to Old High German bintan to bind, Greek peisma cable, Sanskrit badhnāti he ties Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. a. to make secure by tying b. to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds c. to put under an obligation <

binds himself with an oath

> d. to constrain with legal authority 2. a. to wrap around with something so as to enclose or cover b. bandage 3. to fasten round about 4. to tie together (as stocks of wheat) 5. a. to cause to stick together b. to take up and hold (as by chemical forces) ; combine with 6. constipate 7. to make a firm commitment for <

a handshake binds the deal

> 8. to protect, strengthen, or decorate by a band or binding 9. to apply the parts of the cover to (a book) 10. to set at work as an apprentice ; indenture 11. to cause to have an emotional attachment 12. to fasten together <

a pin bound the ends of the scarf

> intransitive verb 1. a. to form a cohesive mass b. to combine or be taken up especially by chemical action <

antibody binds to a specific antigen

> 2. to hamper free movement or natural action 3. to become hindered from free operation 4. to exert a restraining or compelling effect <

a promise that binds

> II. noun Date: before 12th century 1. a. something that binds b. the act of binding ; the state of being bound c. a place where binding occurs 2. tie 3 3. a position or situation in which one is hampered, constrained, or prevented from free movement or action