Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Legally or morally obligatory; imposing a duty or constraint: Describes something that must be obeyed or followed because it is formally agreed upon or required by law or ethics.
   • Restrictive or constricting: Describes something that limits movement or freedom.

2. Noun:

   • The cover of a book: The protective outer part of a book that holds the pages together.
   • A strip of material for strengthening or decorating an edge: A piece of fabric or tape sewn along the edge of a garment or item for reinforcement or ornamentation.
   • A mechanical fastening device: A device that holds parts together, such as on skis or in machinery.
   • The act of fastening or tying: The action of making something secure with a tie or band.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The judge's ruling is binding on all lower courts.
  • The contract contained a binding arbitration clause.
  • The dress was too tight and felt binding around the waist.

• Noun:

  • The old book had a beautiful leather binding with gold lettering.
  • She sewed a silk binding along the neckline of the dress.
  • He adjusted his ski bindings before going down the slope.
  • The binding of the prisoner's hands was done with a plastic tie.

Advanced Usage

• "Legally binding": An agreement or decision that is enforceable by law.

  • Once you sign, the terms become legally binding.

• "In a binding manner": In a way that creates an obligation or restriction.

  • The treaty was drafted to apply bindingly to all member states.

Variants and Related Words

• Bind (verb): To tie or fasten; to impose a legal or moral obligation.

  • They bind the sheaves of wheat with twine.
  • The agreement binds both parties to confidentiality.

• Binder (noun): A person or thing that binds, especially a cover for holding loose papers.

• Bindery (noun): A place where books are bound.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Obligatory, mandatory, compulsory, constricting.
• Noun: Cover, fastening, band, edging, restraint.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs from root "bind")

• Bind over: To order someone to do something, especially by legal authority.

  • The court bound him over to keep the peace.

• Bind up: To wrap or tie securely; to devote one's energies to.

  • The nurse will bind up the wound.
  • He is bound up in his research.

Related Idioms

• In a bind: In a difficult situation with few options.

  • Missing the train put us in a bind for getting to the meeting on time.

• Bound and determined: Very resolute and committed.

  • She was bound and determined to finish the marathon.

Adjective

1. executed with proper legal authority
   • a binding contract

Noun

1. the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a book
   • the book had a leather binding
2. one of a pair of mechanical devices that are attached to a ski and that will grip a ski boot; the bindings should release in case of a fall
3. the act of applying a bandage
4. strip sewn over or along an edge for reinforcement or decoration
5. the capacity to attract and hold something