Bound

Definition

Bound can refer to being tied or secured (adjective), being obligated to do something (adjective), moving with leaps (verb), or the limits or borders of an area (noun). The term is versatile and is used to describe restrictions, commitments, movement, and physical boundaries.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American and British English (All Forms)

• IPA Pronunciation: /baʊnd/
• Respelling: bownd

The pronunciation of "bound" is identical in both American and British English across all parts of speech.

Etymology

The word "bound" comes from Middle English "bounden" (past participle of "bind") and Old English "bindan," meaning "to tie or fasten." The sense of moving with leaps originated from Old French "bondir," meaning "to leap." The noun form describing limits or borders evolved from the Latin "bodina," meaning "boundary" or "limit."

Derivatives

• Bounding (verb)
• Bounded (verb, past tense)
• Boundary (noun)
• Unbound (adjective)
• Rebound (verb, noun)

Synonyms

• Confined (for adjective)
• Leap (for verb)
• Border (for noun)

Antonyms

• Free (for adjective)
• Stay (for verb)
• Infinity (for noun)

Usage

The term "bound" is used across different contexts and can describe restriction (e.g., bound by law), physical movement (e.g., a rabbit bounding), or a demarcation (e.g., city bounds). As an adjective, it often denotes commitment or obligation. As a verb, it describes energetic movement. The noun form is common in geographical or spatial contexts, such as boundaries or limits of a property or area.

Related Terms

• Bind: To tie or fasten something securely.
• Boundary: The edge or limit of an area.
• Leap: To jump or spring a great distance.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Secured or tied up: Refers to something that is held or fastened in place.
  • Example: "The documents were bound together with string."
• Obligated or determined to act in a certain way: Refers to a person or entity that is compelled by duty or promise.
  • Example: "She was bound to follow the instructions given."

Noun

• The limits or borders of an area: Refers to the edge or boundary of a space, such as property or region.
  • Example: "The park's bounds were marked by a fence."

Verb

• To move forward by leaps or jumps: Refers to the action of moving energetically with successive jumps.
  • Example: "The dog bounded across the field with excitement."