bend

bendverb

1. change shapego into a different shape instead of staying straight, or make something do this

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj]

   • Bend the wire into a circle. V + obj
   • The road bends sharply to the left just past the bridge.
   • Try not to bend the pages of the book. V + obj
   • Steel is strong, but it will bend under enough weight.

   Collocations

   verb + noun bend a wire, bend a spoon, bend a branch

   verb + adverb bend sharply, bend slightly, bend easily

   Synonyms twist (twist turns something around itself, not only into a curve)

   Antonyms straighten

   Compare break (something that bends changes shape without separating into pieces; something that breaks does not)

2. move your bodymove part of your body, such as your back or your knees, so that it is not straight

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + adverb or preposition [V + adv/prep]

   • She bent down to pick up the coin. V + adv/prep
   • Bend your knees when you lift something heavy. V + obj
   • He bent over the desk to see the map more closely. V + adv/prep

   Collocations

   phrase bend down, bend over, bend your knees

   Synonyms stoop (usually for bending the whole upper body forward and down)

   Antonyms straighten