bending

To cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means.

“Don’t bend your knees.”

To become curved.

“Look at the trees bending in the wind.”

To cause to change direction.

To change direction.

“The road bends to the right”

To be inclined; to direct itself.

(usually with "down") To stoop.

“He bent down to pick up the pieces.”

To bow in prayer, or in token of submission.

To force to submit.

“They bent me to their will.”

To submit.

“I am bending to my desire to eat junk food.”

To apply to a task or purpose.

“He bent the company's resources to gaining market share.”

To apply oneself to a task or purpose.

“He bent to the goal of gaining market share.”

To adapt or interpret to for a purpose or beneficiary.

To tie, as in securing a line to a cleat; to shackle a chain to an anchor; make fast.

“Bend the sail to the yard.”

To smoothly change the pitch of a note.

“You should bend the G slightly sharp in the next measure.”

To swing the body when rowing.

A motion or action that bends.

“a bending of the knees”

An instance of something being adapted or distorted.

“bendings of the rules”