bend
UK[bend]US[bend]
v
to force something that was straight into an angled or curved shape
v
to move your body or part of your body so that it is not straight
n
a curved part of something, especially a road or river
Etymology
the verb 'bend' originates from the old english 'bendan', meaning "to fetter or constrain with a string," which itself is derived from the proto-germanic 'bandijaną', meaning "to tie or bind." this root is connected to the idea of pulling something taut, like a bowstring, which naturally creates a curve. the semantic evolution moved from the specific action of binding with tension to the more general concept of forcing something into a curved shape. the modern abstract meanings related to physical posture or the shape of objects logically extend from this core idea of creating a curve through applied force.
Analysis
the word 'bend' is a simplex word of old english origin. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes in modern english while preserving the current spelling and meaning.
Examples
be careful not to bend the pages of the book.
the road bends sharply to the left just past the bridge.
she had to bend down to pick up the coin from the floor.