English Reference
noun · verb

bond

n. · v.
US /ˈbɑnd/ UK /bˈɒnd/ bond

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a strong feeling of friendship, love, or shared experience that joins people together.

    n.an emotional or social tie that unites individuals or groups.

    Simple

    The shared hardship of the journey created a lasting bond between the travelers.

    In context

    Psychologists emphasize that the initial bond between a parent and child is crucial for healthy emotional development later in life.

    estrangementdivision
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Law

    n.an official document that says a government or company owes you money and will pay it back with interest.

    n.a debt instrument issued by a government or corporation to raise capital, promising repayment of principal and interest.

    Simple

    Many people invest in government bonds because they are considered very safe.

    In context

    The corporation issued ten-year bonds to finance the construction of its new manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia.

    securitydebenture
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    n.the force that holds atoms together in a molecule.

    n.a lasting attraction between atoms, ions, or molecules that enables the formation of chemical compounds.

    Simple

    Water is formed when a chemical bond joins hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

    In context

    The strength of the covalent bond determines the stability of the resulting molecular structure under high temperatures.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    n.an amount of money paid as a promise that someone will return to court or finish a contract.

    n.a binding legal agreement or a sum of money paid as a guarantee of an obligation, such as appearing in court.

    Simple

    The judge set the bail bond at five thousand dollars.

    In context

    The contractor was required to provide a performance bond to ensure the project would be completed according to the agreed specifications.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    n.something used to tie or hold someone's hands or feet so they cannot move.

    n.a physical restraint, such as a rope or chain, used to bind someone or something.

    Simple

    The prisoner managed to break his bonds and escape into the woods.

    In context

    In the epic poem, the hero finally escapes the bonds that had held him captive for a decade.

    shacklefetterbinding
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to develop a strong relationship with someone.

    v.to establish an emotional or social connection with another person or group.

    Simple

    The team spent the weekend hiking to help the new members bond.

    In context

    New mothers are encouraged to spend skin-to-skin time with their infants to help them bond immediately after birth.

  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    v.to join two things together firmly, often using glue or heat.

    v.to join two surfaces or objects together using an adhesive, heat, or pressure.

    Simple

    This special glue will bond plastic to metal in just a few seconds.

    In context

    The two layers of composite material are bonded together under extreme pressure to ensure maximum durability.

Usage social bond

I guess that’s why I do this work.” Many of Pumphrey’s living relatives reported feeling a similar bond with the young soldier who died more than a century before they were born.

Smithsonian Magazine· 10 Jul 2026

But unlike a bond, it doesn't have to be paid back.

Phys.org· 12 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated