bent
not straight in shape
Not straight in shape; curved or twisted, often because it was pushed or hit.
[something] is bent
- The bike’s front wheel is bent and keeps rubbing against the frame.
- He tried to use the screwdriver, but the tip was too bent to fit the screws.
- The artist used a piece of bent metal to make the sculpture.
- After the accident, the car door was badly bent and wouldn’t close properly.
- Check the plug; if the pins are bent, it won’t go into the socket.
- The table leg is bent and the table moves.
- This fork is bent, so it is hard to use.
- My glasses are bent after I sat on them.
- The wire is bent into a circle.
- The road ahead is not straight; it is bent to the left.
strongly determined to do something
Wanting very strongly to do something and not planning to stop or change your mind.
[someone] is bent on [doing something]
- She seems absolutely bent on proving everyone wrong.
- They are bent on expanding the business into new markets.
- He was bent on becoming a doctor, no matter how long it took.
- The group is bent on changing the law to protect the environment.
- The manager is bent on cutting costs this year.
- She is bent on passing the exam.
- He is bent on becoming a famous singer.
- They are bent on winning the game.
- The company is bent on making more money this year.
- My brother is bent on learning English quickly.
natural liking or tendency
A natural interest or talent for something, which makes a person like to do it or be good at it.
a [adjective] bent for [something]
- From an early age, she showed a strong artistic bent.
- His scientific bent made him a perfect fit for the research team.
- The school tries to support students with a musical bent.
- Writers with a political bent are often drawn to opinion columns.
- Her technical bent helped her quickly learn to code.
- He has an artistic bent and loves to draw.
- My sister has a musical bent and plays three instruments.
- Students with a scientific bent may enjoy this class.
- Her bent is more creative than practical.
- People with a technical bent often like computers.
dishonest or corrupt (informal)
Dishonest and ready to break the law or rules, especially when someone has power or an important job.
[someone/something] is bent
- The film follows a bent cop who takes money from local gangs.
- They claimed the whole council was bent and working for developers.
- A few bent officers can damage trust in the entire police force.
- Journalists uncovered a network of bent officials taking bribes.
- People are tired of bent politicians promising change but stealing money.
- The movie is about a bent police officer who takes money.
- Many people think some leaders are bent.
- A few bent judges can hurt the legal system.
- Voters were angry when they learned the mayor was bent.
- He says the system is bent and does not help poor people.
homosexual (offensive slang)
A rude and offensive word for someone who is gay. It should not be used.
[someone] is bent
- The word "bent" for gay people is considered offensive and should be avoided.
- In that old TV show, some characters use "bent" as an insult, which many viewers now find unacceptable.
- He was bullied at school and called "bent" by other students.
- Writers today usually avoid using "bent" in this way unless they are showing prejudice in a story.
- Some people use the word "bent" for gay people, but it is rude.
- Do not call a person "bent"; say "gay" if they use that word for themselves.
- The boys at school called him "bent," and it hurt him.
- This word for gay people is old and offensive.
- Modern teachers say you should not use the word "bent" for someone who is gay.
a type of grass (bent)
A kind of grass plant, often called bent grass, that grows in fields or on lawns and is used on some golf courses.
[something] is covered with bent
- The dunes are held together by hardy bent growing in the sand.
- The golf course uses a mixture of bent and fescue on the greens.
- Farmers complained that the field was mostly bent and other coarse grasses.
- Coastal bent is well adapted to salty, windy conditions.
- Bent grows in the sandy soil near the sea.
- The grass on this golf course is a special bent grass.
- Some fields have mostly bent and not many flowers.
- Bent can help hold sand in place on beaches.
- Base: bent
- Base: bent
- Plural: bents
bent on
1firmly determined about something
To be very determined to do something, and not likely to change your mind.
- She is bent on starting her own business before she turns thirty.
- They seem bent on making the project a success, whatever it costs.
- He’s bent on improving his English this year and studies every night.
bent out of shape
1very upset or annoyed
To become very upset, angry, or offended, often about something small.
- Don’t get bent out of shape over one small mistake.
- He got really bent out of shape when they changed the meeting time.
- She tends to get bent out of shape if people are a few minutes late.
get bent
1rude way to say go away
A very rude way to tell someone to go away or show strong dislike, similar to saying "go to hell."
- He told the reporter to get bent and slammed the door.
- "Get bent," she muttered under her breath as she walked away.
- That phrase is offensive; telling someone to get bent will probably make them angry.
hell-bent on
1extremely determined, regardless of risk
Very strongly and sometimes blindly determined to do something, even if it is dangerous or unwise.
- He seems hell-bent on quitting his job, even though he has no other offer.
- The government is hell-bent on pushing through the reforms despite protests.
- She was hell-bent on winning the race, no matter how tired she felt.