to force (an object, esp. a long or thin one) from a straight form into a curved or angular one, or from a curved or angular form into some different form

to bend an iron rod into a hoop.

to direct or turn in a particular direction

to bend one's energies to the task.

to cause to submit or yield

to bend someone to one's will.

to modify or relax (restrictions, regulations, etc.) temporarily or in certain circumstances

to bend the rules.

to incline mentally (usually fol. by to or toward )

bending his thoughts back toward his childhood.

to pull back the string of (a bow or the like) in preparation for shooting.

Nautical . to fasten.

Archaic . to strain or brace tensely (often fol. by up ).

to become curved, crooked, or bent

a bow that bends easily.

to assume a bent posture; stoop (often fol. by over )

to bend as one walks; to bend over and pick up something.

to turn or incline in a particular direction; be directed

The road bent toward the south.

to yield or submit; give in.

to bow in submission or reverence

bending to one's monarch.

to direct one's energies

We bent to our work as the bell sounded.

the act of bending.

something that bends; curve; crook

a bend in the road; a bend in the curtain rod.

Nautical . any of various loops or knots for joining the ends of two ropes or the like, or for joining the end of a rope or the like to some other object.

bends, Nautical .

thick planking immediately below the waterways of a wooden vessel.

the wales of a vessel.

the bends, aeroembolism ( def. 2 ) . ?

around or round the bend

Slang . insane; crazy

These interruptions will send me round the bend!

bend or lean or fall over backward

to exert oneself to the utmost; make a serious effort

They bent over backward to make sure their guests were comfortable.