bind over
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To compel someone to do, or abstain from, a particular act.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
In Middlesex, instead of being tried by jury, hundreds of suspected adulterers were instead bound over by magistrates – in other words, forced to end their alleged relationships, find respectable citizens to post bail for their good behviour, and appear in court to answer for their future conduct.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bind over” mean?
To compel someone to do, or abstain from, a particular act.
Is “bind over” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.