bind
B2Neutral to formal; common in legal, technical, and everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To tie or fasten something securely; to constrain or obligate.
To create a close connection or bond; to cause cohesion (e.g., ingredients, groups); to be constrained by a legal or moral obligation; in computing, to associate an identifier with a value or address.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a restriction or limitation as a consequence of the fastening or obligation. Can be literal (physical tying) or figurative (emotional, legal ties).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Bind' is used similarly in both varieties. The past participle 'bound' is universal. Slight preference in UK English for 'bind over' in legal contexts (to bind someone over to keep the peace).
Connotations
In both, can carry negative connotations of restriction ('bound by rules') or positive ones of unity ('shared experience binds them').
Frequency
Comparably frequent. Slightly higher in UK legal jargon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
bind sb/sth (to sb/sth)bind sb/sth togetherbind sb (to do sth)be bound by sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in a bind”
- “bind someone hand and foot”
- “bound and determined”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To be bound by a contract or agreement.
Academic
To discuss social norms that bind a community.
Everyday
To bind a parcel with tape.
Technical
To bind a variable to a value in programming; to bind a book.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The treaty will bind the nations to mutual defence.
- She used a ribbon to bind her hair.
American English
- This contract binds you to a two-year commitment.
- Bind the newspapers with twine before recycling.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No direct adverbial form. Use 'tightly', 'securely').
American English
- N/A (No direct adverbial form. Use 'tightly', 'securely').
adjective
British English
- She felt bound by tradition to attend.
- The bound manuscript was ready for the library.
American English
- He is bound for success with that attitude.
- The bound volumes of the journal are on the shelf.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please bind these papers with a clip.
- The glue binds the pieces of wood.
- The agreement binds both companies for five years.
- Friendship can bind people from different cultures.
- He was legally bound to disclose the information.
- The chef uses egg to bind the mixture for the meatballs.
- The cultural practices that bind the society are slowly eroding.
- The compiler will bind the function call to the correct memory address.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of being 'bound' by rope – you can't move. BIND restricts and ties.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBLIGATIONS ARE BONDS; CONNECTIONS ARE TIES.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'band' (группа, повязка). 'Bind' is an action/process, while 'bound' can be adjective (связанный) or verb past tense. Avoid using 'bind' for simple 'connect' (соединять) where no constraint is implied.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'bind' instead of 'bandage' (for a wound). Incorrect: 'He binded his ankle.' Correct: 'He bound his ankle.' / 'He bandaged his ankle.'
- Confusing 'bind' (present) with 'bound' (past/adj).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'bind' NOT typically imply a restriction?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The correct past tense and past participle is 'bound'. 'Binded' is a common error.
'Bind' often suggests a tighter, more secure, or more constraining fastening, and is used more in figurative/legal contexts. 'Tie' is more general and common for everyday physical fastening.
Yes. E.g., 'Common goals can bind a team together' or 'A shared love of music bound them.' It emphasizes unity and strong connection.
It's an idiom meaning 'in a difficult situation with no easy solution,' e.g., 'Missing the train put me in a bind for the meeting.'