adjective

bound

Translation

certain, destined, heading for, tied

You are bound to feel nervous before the exam.

This train is bound for New York.

He was bound by his promise.

be bound ((to-inf)) to be certain to do (sth.) It's bound to rain later.

be bound ((for a place)) to be traveling to (a place) The ship is bound for the Caribbean.

be bound ((by sth.)) to be obligated by (sth.) We are bound by the terms of the contract.

Synonyms (certain): sure, destined; (tied): fastened

From Old Norse 'búinn', past participle of 'búa' (to prepare). Also influenced by the past participle of 'bind'.

If you are 'bound for' a place, you are tied to that destination. If something is 'bound to happen,' its fate is tied to that outcome.