bend
verb (used with object)
to force (an object, especially a long or thin one) from a straight form into a curved or angular one, or from a curved or angular form into some different form.
had bent
-
past perfectof bend.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Over more than 90 minutes against Belgium, one of the top 10 sides in the world, Iran’s defense had bent without breaking.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
After a letter from Education Minister Jason Clare, the funding was suspended while Abdel-Fattah was investigated over allegations she had bent the grant's rules, though she was ultimately cleared last month.
From BBC ● Jan. 12, 2026
It was hurt when I had bent down and had firewood fall on my back,” said Kunjan Pun on Sunday from a hospital bed where she is waiting for surgery.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 5, 2023
It had bent stems and yellowing foliage that didn’t seem to improve in the following week, making me wish I had left the healthy plant with a friend back in New York.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2022
Supposedly all that had stopped a thousand years ago, when the Boltons had bent their knees to Winterfell.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
