Bind is a versatileable to be used in many different ways or situations word with several verb senses. It can mean to stick firmly, tie or fasten something, create a close connection, or put something under an obligationa duty or requirement that someone must do. In older or more technical uses, it can also mean wrapping, securing, or even forming a chemicalrelated to substances and the way they interact bond.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /baɪnd/
Easy pronunciation: BIND (approximate spelling).
Stress: One syllable, so it is stressed on the only syllable.
Use this pronunciation for the verb meaning to stick to firmly.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Bind Meaning
to cling or adhere closely to something
Part of speech: verb
Definition: stick to firmly
Example: The glue will bind the pieces together.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- adhere — A close match when something sticks firmly to a surface.
- stick — Works well in everyday usage when something clings or stays attached.
- stick to — Good when the idea is staying attached to a surface or material.
- bond — Can fit in technical or material contexts, though it is less everyday than stick.
- hold fast — A strong phrase, but more formal or literary than the others.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Bind
Meaning 2
to form a close connection with someone
Part of speech: verb
Definition: create social or emotional ties
Example: Shared work can bind a team together.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- bond — A natural synonym for forming a close relationship or connection.
- attach — Can work in the sense of becoming connected, but is less natural than bond.
- tie — Possible in some contexts, though it is broader and less specific.
Meaning 3
to tie something tightly
Part of speech: verb
Definition: fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord
Example: She used twine to bind the bundle.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- tie — A direct everyday substitute for fastening with cord or string.
Meaning 4
to make someone constipated
Part of speech: verb
Definition: cause to be constipated
Example: Some medicines can bind the bowels.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- constipate — The direct medical synonym for this sense.
Meaning 5
to make someone obligated or required to do something
Part of speech: verb
Definition: bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted
Example: The agreement binds both sides to the deal.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- obligate — A direct synonym in formal or legal contexts.
- oblige — Works well when someone is made legally or morally required.
- hold — Can fit in legal or formal phrasing, but is broader and less precise.
Meaning 6
to wrap something around something else
Part of speech: verb
Definition: wrap around with something so as to cover or enclose
Example: They bind the wound with clean cloth.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- bandage — Works when the wrapping is medical or protective, but it is narrower than bind.
Meaning 7
to tie something firmly in place
Part of speech: verb
Definition: secure with or as if with ropes
Example: The sailors bound the cargo to the deck.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- tie down — A strong match for securing something so it will not move.
- tie up — Common when fastening or securing something firmly.
- truss — A real synonym, but more specific and less common in everyday English.
Meaning 8
to join chemically with another substance
Part of speech: verb
Definition: form a chemical bond with
Example: The protein binds with the receptor.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Bind Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- adhere
- stick
- stick to
- bond
- hold fast
create social or emotional ties
- bond
fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord
- tie
cause to be constipated
- constipate
bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted
- obligate
- oblige
wrap around with something so as to cover or enclose
- bandage
secure with or as if with ropes
- tie down
- tie up
- truss
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse bind with bond: bond is usually a noun, while bind is the verb.
- Do not use tie as a substitute for every sense of bind; it fits fastening senses, not chemical or obligation senses.
- Do not mix the physical sense of bind with the relationship sense of bond.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bind mean in simple English?
Bind means to tie, fasten, stick firmly, or connect things closely. It can also mean to make someone legally or morally required to do something.
What are the best synonyms for bind?
The best synonym depends on the sense. For sticking firmly, use adhere or stick. For fastening, use tie. For forming a close connection, use bond. For legal obligation, use obligate or oblige.
Is bind the same as bond?
Not exactly. Bind is usually a verb meaning to fasten, connect, or oblige. Bond is often a noun meaning a connection or relationship, though it can also be used as a verb in some contexts.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-16. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.