the bends

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I can see knots under the skin in the bends of his arm.

From Salon • Oct. 11, 2025

If a diver returns to the surface too quickly, the nitrogen bubbles don't have time to dissipate - leading to a dangerous condition known as decompression sickness, also known as the bends.

From BBC • Aug. 20, 2024

Mr. Keller used a new cocktail of gases intended to lessen the risks of the bends.

From Washington Post • Dec. 25, 2022

When divers rose to the surface too fast, they risked decompression sickness, also known as the bends, where the wrong gases build up in the blood.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2022

I look and I look and I don’t see no settlement but who knows what’s around the bends and curves?

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness