1. Movement that causes the formation of a curve
   "The bending of the light rays as they passed through the prism";
   - bend
    
2. The property of being bent or deflected
   "the force cause bending of the metal rod";
   - deflection, deflexion [Brit]
    
3. The act of bending something
   "The bending of the metal rod required significant force"

1. Form a curve
   "The stick does not bend";
   - flex
    
2. Change direction
   "The road bends"
    
3. Cause (an object) to assume a crooked or angular form
   "bend the rod";
   - flex, deform, twist, turn
    
4. Turn from a straight course, fixed direction, or line of interest
   "The light bent as it passed through the prism";
   - deflect, turn away
    
5. Bend one's back forward from the waist on down
   "he bent down";
   - stoop, bow[2]
    
6. Bend a joint
   "bend your knees";
   - flex
    
7. Interpret or modify (a rule) to fit what one wants to do
   "he often bends the rules"
    
8. (music) smoothly change the pitch of a note
   "The guitarist bent the strings to create a bluesy sound"

Derived forms: bendings

Type of: change form, change of shape, change shape, deform, motion, move, movement, physical property, turn

Antonym: straighten

Encyclopedia: Bending