bound

bound · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Tied or fastened with bonds.

  2. 2.

    Obligated or required to do something.

  3. 3.

    Certain or destined to happen.

  4. 4.

    Headed in a particular direction.

  5. 5.

    Past tense and past participle of bind.

  6. 6.

    To leap or spring.

  7. 7.

    A leap or jump.

  8. 8.

    A limit or boundary.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bound and determined — firmly resolved
  • •
    bound to — certain to
  • •
    by leaps and bounds — very rapidly
  • •
    duty-bound — obligated by duty
  • •
    honor-bound — obligated by honor
  • •
    out of bounds — beyond permitted limits

Related words

Antonyms: free, unbound
See also: bind, boundary, bounds
Synonyms: destined, heading, obligated, tied

Etymology

Multiple origins: (1) Past participle of "bind" from Old English "bindan"; (2) "Heading for" from Old Norse "buinn" (prepared); (3) "Leap" from Old French "bondir" (to resound, bounce).