1. A curve or turn:
* The road had a sharp bend that made it dangerous to drive fast.
* The river followed a natural bend as it flowed through the valley.
* The artist added a subtle bend to the line drawing.
2. A flex or fold in something:
* The fabric had a bend in it where it had been folded.
* The metal pipe had a bend in it, making it difficult to install.
* The gymnast demonstrated a perfect bend in her body during the routine.
3. A change in direction:
* There was a sudden bend in the path that led us off the trail.
* The plot of the story took an unexpected bend after the main character's revelation.
* The company's plans underwent a significant bend after the market crash.
4. (Informal) A person's attitude or personality:
* He had a stubborn bend that made it hard to convince him.
* She had a creative bend that allowed her to see solutions others didn't.
* The team had a positive bend that inspired confidence in their success.
It's important to note that the noun "bend" is often used metaphorically, particularly in the fourth definition. In these cases, the meaning is more implied and may depend on context.
Here are some examples of "bend" used metaphorically:
* The government's policy was a bend toward authoritarianism.
* The company's future had a bend toward innovation.
* His personality had a bend toward introversion.
Overall, while "bend" is primarily a verb, it can function as a noun in certain contexts. Understanding the different meanings and their usage is key to using the word accurately.