<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>bent or (Archaic) bend·ed; bend·ing.</li><li>to force (an object, especially a long or thin one) from a straight form into a curved or angular one, or from a curved or angular form into some different form: to bend an iron rod into a hoop.</li><li>Synonyms: bow, flex, crook, curve.</li><li>to direct or turn in a particular direction: to bend one's energies to the task.</li><li>to cause to submit or yield: to bend someone to one's will.</li><li>Synonyms: sway, persuade, compel, shape, mold, influence.</li><li>to modify or relax (restrictions, regulations, etc.) temporarily or in certain circumstances: to bend the rules.</li><li>to incline mentally (usually followed by to or toward): bending his thoughts back toward his childhood.</li><li>to pull back the string of (a bow or the like) in preparation for shooting.</li><li>Nautical: to fasten.</li><li>Archaic: to strain or brace tensely (often followed by up).</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>bent or (Archaic) bend·ed; bend·ing.</li><li>to become curved, crooked, or bent: a bow that bends easily.</li><li>to assume a bent posture; stoop (often followed by over): to bend as one walks; to bend over and pick up something.</li><li>to turn or incline in a particular direction; be directed: The road bent toward the south.</li><li>to yield or submit; give in.</li><li>to bow in submission or reverence: bending to one's monarch.</li><li>to direct one's energies: We bent to our work as the bell sounded.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the act of bending.</li><li>something that bends; curve; crook: a bend in the road; a bend in the curtain rod.</li><li>Nautical: any of various loops or knots for joining the ends of two ropes or the like, or for joining the end of a rope or the like to some other object.</li><li>bends, Nautical: thick planking immediately below the waterways of a wooden vessel.</li><li>the wales of a vessel.</li><li>the bends, aeroembolism (def 2).</li></ul>