imp. & p. p. of bind. 1. Made fast by a band, or by chains or fetters; confined; restrained. 2. a. Destined; tending; going, or intending to go;— with to or for; as, a ship is bound to Cadiz, or for Cadiz. Used also in composition; as, ice-bound, wind-bound, confined or prevented from sailing by ice or contrary winds; hide-bound, &c.
Synonyms—BOUND, CERTAIN. To a limited extent, bound has been made in this country synonymous with certain or sure. Thus, it is said of a young man of talent entering on life, “he is bound to succeed;” of a candidate for political office, “he is bound to be elected;” of a young and growing village, “it is bound to become a large place.” This is a revival of an old sense of the term, which has become obsolete or provincial in England, and has no sanction from Johnson, Richardson, or any of our leading lexicographers. As bound has its established sense, denoting obligation, it seems undesirable to bring again into use so very different a meaning of the word. Nor is it in favor of this usage that we say, a ship is bound to a given place, since there is here reference to the intention on the part of the owners to send it; but this by no means involves the idea of certainty as to its arrival. It seems desirable, therefore, in every point of view, to discourage so peculiar and grotesque a use of the word bound.