# bonded

/ˈbɑndəd/ (US) · /bˈɒndɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bonded
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. physically joined

adjective · CEFR B2

joined together very strongly using glue, heat, or pressure.

For teachers: securely joined or fused, typically through the use of adhesives, thermal processing, or high pressure.

- The two layers of fabric are bonded together to make the jacket waterproof.
- The aerospace components are bonded using a high-performance epoxy that maintains structural integrity under extreme thermal stress.

### 2. legal/tax status

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describing goods kept in a special warehouse until the owner pays the required taxes.

For teachers: referring to goods stored in a government-supervised warehouse until customs duties or taxes are paid.

- The imported wine was kept in a bonded warehouse until the taxes were settled.
- The shipment of luxury spirits remained in a bonded facility, awaiting the final clearance of excise duties by the local authorities.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'bonded warehouse'.

### 3. emotionally connected

adjective · CEFR B2

having a very strong emotional connection or friendship with someone.

For teachers: having developed a strong emotional or psychological connection with another person or group.

- The team became a bonded group after working through the difficult project together.
- The therapy sessions were designed to help the bonded pair navigate the complexities of their shared trauma and rebuild mutual trust.

## Examples

- The two sisters are very bonded.
- After spending the summer working together on the farm, the volunteers felt deeply bonded to one another.
- Psychologists observed that the rescued animals became more bonded to their handlers than to members of their own species, likely due to the intensive care provided during their recovery.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.