Concept in Definition ABC

The verb to bend is used to indicate any action related to twisting or bending something, usually an object that offers a certain resistance. In this way, some of the antonyms would be straighten or stretch. Thus a piece of metal is bent through some kind of force. On the other hand, in the physical activity it is also possible to bend or flex the body.

Activities in which it is necessary to bend

When handling some metals it is necessary to bend them. This is what the blacksmith does in the forge.

In goldsmithing, the materials used must be bent to acquire a certain shape.

Yoga practitioners have to flex and bend their body to achieve certain postures. The same happens in other disciplines, such as contortionism, tai chi or gymnastics rhythmic.

If a person or group intends to increase their motivation or his activity, there is talk of bending efforts and in this way it is communicated that it is necessary to make more effort in a draft.

In a figurative sense

The action of bending does not always refer to an object or to the body itself, but this verb is sometimes used in a figurative sense. If I say "the team bowed to the rival" I am indicating that in a sporting competition one of the rivals was defeated by another and, therefore, was defeated.

The use of this verb in a rivalry context is associated with a humiliating defeat and not just any type of defeat. In other words, there are defeats that involve bowing down to the rival and others that do not.

In conventional human relationships there are also winners and losers

In this sense, if someone gives in to the pressures of another, he has been bowed. Threats, coercion, or violence in any of their forms they are normally strategies to bend the will of the other. In this sense, if a person is upright, incorruptible and courageous, it can be said of him "that he does not allow himself to be bent."

Finally, it must be remembered that the human will can overcome difficulties and when this happens we speak of bending. From the willpower laziness can be overcome and with solid moral principles it is possible to overcome some temptations or deviations.

In common parlance there is often talk of curbing pride, jealousy, or any undesirable behavior.

Photos: Fotolia - Tino / Tsung-Lin Wu