bond
UK[bɒnd]US[bɑːnd]
n
Something that binds, ties, or fastens things together.
n
A certificate issued by a government or company promising to pay back borrowed money with interest.
n
A close connection joining two or more people.
v
To join two things securely together, especially with glue.
Etymology
The word 'bond' originates from the Middle English 'band' or 'bond', which referred to a shackle, fetter, or any binding agreement. This, in turn, derived from Old Norse 'band', meaning a cord or band used for tying. The Old Norse term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic 'bandą', from the Proto-Indo-European root 'bʰendʰ-', meaning 'to bind'. The modern spelling with an 'o' emerged in the 16th century. The core concept of binding has evolved from the literal sense of physical restraint to encompass legal agreements (like financial bonds) and metaphorical connections (like emotional bonds), all retaining the fundamental idea of a uniting or restraining link.
Analysis
The word 'bond' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a complete lexical unit.
Examples
The strong adhesive created a permanent bond between the two surfaces.
The government issued a ten-year bond to finance the new infrastructure project.
A deep bond of trust developed between the teammates after years of working together.