6bound noun
plural bounds 1 bounds [plural] : the point at which something (such as an idea or someone's behavior) stops being good or acceptable : the limit of what is correct or proper
▪ The play goes beyond the bounds of decency. = The play exceeds the bounds of decency. ▪ within the bounds of reason = within reasonable bounds ▪ The police officers exceeded/overstepped their bounds and broke the law. 2 [count] : something that shows where one area ends and another area begins — usually plural ▪ the bounds [=(more commonly) boundaries] of the nature reserve
▪ The play goes beyond the bounds of decency. = The play exceeds the bounds of decency. ▪ within the bounds of reason = within reasonable bounds ▪ The police officers exceeded/overstepped their bounds and broke the law.
know no bounds
: to have no limit
▪ His generosity knows no bounds. [=he is extremely generous]
▪ His generosity knows no bounds. [=he is extremely generous]
in bounds
: inside the area where players or the ball must stay in sports like basketball and American football
▪ The receiver was still in bounds when he caught the pass. ▪ The referee said the ball landed in bounds.
▪ The receiver was still in bounds when he caught the pass. ▪ The referee said the ball landed in bounds.
out of bounds 1 : outside the area where players or the ball must stay in sports like basketball and American football
▪ The ball was kicked out of bounds. ▪ The player stepped out of bounds to avoid being hit. 2 : not good or acceptable
▪ The teacher's comment was completely out of bounds. [=unacceptable, inappropriate] 3 — used to describe a place where people are not allowed to go ▪ The auditorium is out of bounds for/to students during the renovations. 4 — used to describe something that people are not allowed to discuss or mention ▪ The subject of politics is out of bounds [=off limits] when our family gets together.
▪ The ball was kicked out of bounds. ▪ The player stepped out of bounds to avoid being hit.
▪ The teacher's comment was completely out of bounds. [=unacceptable, inappropriate]
— compare 4bound
