bend (v.) Copy link Outline A. Trans.I. To move from a straight line1. flecto, flexi, flexum, 32. inflecto, 33. curvo (i. e. to curve, round)4. inclīno, 1 (to cause to lean)II. To direct (q. v.).1. tendo, tĕtendi, tensum and tentum, 32. flecto, 3 (implying an alteration or winding of route)3. inclīno (like flecto; but less frequent)III. To apply to a particular purpose. q. v.IV. To subdue1. dŏmo, ui, ĭtum, 4 (i. e. to tame, quell, subdue2. flecto, 3B. Intrans.I. To deviate from a straight line1. flecto, 3 (with pron. reflect. or pass.)2. inflecto, 3 (like flecto). the iron had bent, ferrum se inflexerat, Caes.II. To make a bend • bend (v.) A. Trans.: I. To move from a straight line: 1. flecto, flexi, flexum, 3: to b. a bow, arcum f., Virg.: every animal b.s its limbs in whatever direction it wishes, animal omne membra quocunque vult f., Cic. 2. inflecto, 3: to b. a staff, bacillum in., Cic.: Prop. 3. curvo (i. e. to curve, round): he bent the flexile bow, curvavit flexile cornu, Ov.: limbs bent with old age, curvata senio membra, Tac. 4. inclīno, 1 (to cause to lean): some of the oxen had bent their knees on the yellow sands, pars boum fulvis genua inclinarat arenis, Ov.: v. to bend down. II. To direct (q. v.).: esp. in phr. to b. one's course: 1. tendo, tĕtendi, tensum and tentum, 3: they bent their course towards Spain, iter in Hispaniam tendebant, Hirt.: more freq. without a substantive: I doubt whether to b. my course towards Venusia: dubito an Venusiam tendam, Cic.: backward b.ing his course, retro tendens cursum, Sil. 2. flecto, 3 (implying an alteration or winding of route): we bent our course towards the left, fleximus in laevum cursus, Ov.; f. iter ad aliquem locum, Liv.: also without any subs. (post-Ciceron.): Hasdrubal, finding the passage of the river closed, bent his course towards the Ocean, H. clauso transitu fluminis ad Oceanum flectit, Liv. 3. inclīno (like flecto; but less frequent): v. to lean, incline. III. To apply to a particular purpose. q. v. IV. To subdue: render submissive: 1. dŏmo, ui, ĭtum, 4 (i. e. to tame, quell, subdue: q. v.): their energy had bent all things to its sway, virtus omnia domuerat, Sall.: Hor. 2. flecto, 3: v. TO PREVAIL UPON, influence. B. Intrans.: I. To deviate from a straight line: 1. flecto, 3 (with pron. reflect. or pass.): I b. into a snake, flector in anguem, Ov. 2. inflecto, 3 (like flecto). the iron had bent, ferrum se inflexerat, Caes. II. To make a bend: v. bend (subs.).