bind

transitive verb | \ ˈbīnd \

1. a : to make responsible for an obligation (as under a contract) agents have the power to bind the insurer —R. I. Mehr

   b : to burden with an obligation prevented married women from binding their property —J. H. Friedenthal et al.

2. : to exert control over : constrain by legal authority this court is bound by precedent

3. : to bring (an insurance policy) into effect by an oral communication or a binder