Definition of bent

The word "bent" has a fascinating history. It has its roots in Old English and has undergone significant changes over time. Initially, "bent" meant "to bend" or "to incline," as in the act of flexing or twisting something. This sense of the word is still evident in phrases like "be bent on" (meaning "to be determined" or "to have a strong inclination"). Over time, the word took on a new meaning. In the 14th century, "bent" began to be used as an adjective to describe something that is crooked, twisted, or distorted. This sense of the word is still commonly used today, as in "a bent fork" or "a bent piece of metal." Interestingly, the word has also been used as a verb since the 16th century to mean "to twist or distort something, often in a deliberate or intentional manner."