bind
bind /b'aɪnd/ (binds binding bound)
1 [VERB] V pl-n together, V n prep/adv, V-ed, also V n
If something binds people together, it makes them feel as if they are all part of the same group or have something in common.
It is the memory and threat of persecution that binds them together.
...the social and political ties that bind the USA to Britain.
...a group of people bound together by shared language, culture, and beliefs.
2 [VERB] be V-ed by n, be V-ed to-inf, V n to-inf, also V n
If you are bound by something such as a rule, agreement, or restriction, you are forced or required to act in a certain way.
The Luxembourg-based satellite service is not bound by the same strict rules as the BBC...
The authorities will be legally bound to arrest any suspects...
The treaty binds them to respect their neighbour's independence.
● bound [ADJ] v-link ADJ by n
Few of them feel bound by any enduring loyalties.
3 [VERB] V n adv/prep, V n
If you bind something or someone, you tie rope, string, tape, or other material around them so that they are held firmly.
Bind the ends of the cord together with thread.
...the red tape which was used to bind the files...
4 [VERB] be V-ed in n, V n, V-ed
When a book is bound, the pages are joined together and the cover is put on.
Each volume is bound in bright-coloured cloth...
Their business came from a few big publishers, all of whose books they bound.
...four immaculately bound hardbacks.
● -bound [COMB in ADJ]
...leather-bound stamp albums.
5
see also binding, bound, bind over
[PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P to-inf, V n P, V P n (not pron), also V P n to-inf
If someone is bound over by a court or a judge, they are given an order and must do as the order says for a particular period of time. (LEGAL)
On many occasions demonstrators were bound over to keep the peace...
They put us in a cell, and the next day some bumbling judge bound us over...
This imposes a duty on courts to bind over parents when they have no control over their children.dou|ble bind (double binds)
[N-COUNT] usu sing
If you are in a double bind, you are in a very difficult situation, because whatever decision you make will have bad results.
Women are caught in a double bind, marginalised in the community if they are not wives and mothers, under excessive pressure to be perfect if they are.
= catch 22
1 [VERB] V pl-n together, V n prep/adv, V-ed, also V n
If something binds people together, it makes them feel as if they are all part of the same group or have something in common.
It is the memory and threat of persecution that binds them together.
...the social and political ties that bind the USA to Britain.
...a group of people bound together by shared language, culture, and beliefs.
2 [VERB] be V-ed by n, be V-ed to-inf, V n to-inf, also V n
If you are bound by something such as a rule, agreement, or restriction, you are forced or required to act in a certain way.
The Luxembourg-based satellite service is not bound by the same strict rules as the BBC...
The authorities will be legally bound to arrest any suspects...
The treaty binds them to respect their neighbour's independence.
● bound [ADJ] v-link ADJ by n
Few of them feel bound by any enduring loyalties.
3 [VERB] V n adv/prep, V n
If you bind something or someone, you tie rope, string, tape, or other material around them so that they are held firmly.
Bind the ends of the cord together with thread.
...the red tape which was used to bind the files...
4 [VERB] be V-ed in n, V n, V-ed
When a book is bound, the pages are joined together and the cover is put on.
Each volume is bound in bright-coloured cloth...
Their business came from a few big publishers, all of whose books they bound.
...four immaculately bound hardbacks.
● -bound [COMB in ADJ]
...leather-bound stamp albums.
5
see also binding, bound, bind over
[PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P to-inf, V n P, V P n (not pron), also V P n to-inf
If someone is bound over by a court or a judge, they are given an order and must do as the order says for a particular period of time. (LEGAL)
On many occasions demonstrators were bound over to keep the peace...
They put us in a cell, and the next day some bumbling judge bound us over...
This imposes a duty on courts to bind over parents when they have no control over their children.dou|ble bind (double binds)
[N-COUNT] usu sing
If you are in a double bind, you are in a very difficult situation, because whatever decision you make will have bad results.
Women are caught in a double bind, marginalised in the community if they are not wives and mothers, under excessive pressure to be perfect if they are.
= catch 22