1 [+ obj] : to tie or wrap (something) with rope, string, etc.
▪ She bound her hair in a ponytail. ▪ The machine binds the hay into bales. 2 [+ obj] : to tie the hands or feet of a person to prevent escape or movement
▪ He bound the prisoner's wrists (together) with a rope. ▪ The captive was bound and gagged. [=tied up and stopped from talking with something that covers the mouth] — sometimes used figuratively ▪ They are bound by their own inhibitions. 3 [no obj] of clothing : to prevent free movement by fitting too tightly
▪ He doesn't like to wear clothes that bind. 4 [+ obj] : to wrap or cover (something) with a bandage
▪ The doctor bound (up) the injured ankle. 5 [+ obj] : to make (someone) have to do something because of a promise, agreement, etc.
▪ He bound himself with an oath. — usually used as (be) bound ▪ By signing here, you agree to be bound by the terms of the contract. — see also ²binding, ²bound 5 6 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as an agreement) certain
▪ A handshake binds the deal. 7 [+ obj] : to cause (people) to be joined together closely
▪ the emotional ties that bind us ▪ different groups bound together by a common interest 8 : to cause (something) to form a mass that stays together [+ obj] ▪ The mayonnaise binds the salad together. [no obj] ▪ If you leave out the eggs, the dough won't bind. 9 technical : to combine with (something) by chemical forces [+ obj] ▪ cellulose binds water [no obj] ▪ particles that bind to/with one another 10 [+ obj] : to put a special decorative edge on (something, such as cloth or carpet)
▪ You need to bind the edges so it won't unravel. 11 [+ obj] : to put a cover or binding on (a book)
▪ This book was bound by hand. — see also ²bound 6