To bind to

Bind Bind, v. t. [imp. {Bound}; p. p. {Bound}, formerly {Bounden}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Binding}.] [AS. bindan, perfect tense band, bundon, p. p. bunden; akin to D. & G. binden, Dan. binde, Sw. & Icel. binda, Goth. bindan, Skr. bandh (for bhandh) to bind, cf. Gr. ? (for ?) cable, and L. offendix. [root]90.] 1. To tie, or confine with a cord, band, ligature, chain, etc.; to fetter; to make fast; as, to bind grain in bundles; to bind a prisoner. [1913 Webster]

2. To confine, restrain, or hold by physical force or influence of any kind; as, attraction binds the planets to the sun; frost binds the earth, or the streams. [1913 Webster]

He bindeth the floods from overflowing. --Job xxviii. 11. [1913 Webster]

Whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years. --Luke xiii. 16. [1913 Webster]

3. To cover, as with a bandage; to bandage or dress; -- sometimes with up; as, to bind up a wound. [1913 Webster]

4. To make fast ( a thing) about or upon something, as by tying; to encircle with something; as, to bind a belt about one; to bind a compress upon a part. [1913 Webster]

5. To prevent or restrain from customary or natural action; as, certain drugs bind the bowels. [1913 Webster]

6. To protect or strengthen by a band or binding, as the edge of a carpet or garment. [1913 Webster]

7. To sew or fasten together, and inclose in a cover; as, to bind a book. [1913 Webster]

8. Fig.: To oblige, restrain, or hold, by authority, law, duty, promise, vow, affection, or other moral tie; as, to bind the conscience; to bind by kindness; bound by affection; commerce binds nations to each other. [1913 Webster]

Who made our laws to bind us, not himself. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

9. (Law) (a) To bring (any one) under definite legal obligations; esp. under the obligation of a bond or covenant. --Abbott. (b) To place under legal obligation to serve; to indenture; as, to bind an apprentice; -- sometimes with out; as, bound out to service. [1913 Webster]

{To bind over}, to put under bonds to do something, as to appear at court, to keep the peace, etc.

{To bind to}, to contract; as, to bind one's self to a wife.

{To bind up in}, to cause to be wholly engrossed with; to absorb in. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To fetter; tie; fasten; restrain; restrict; oblige. [1913 Webster]