Bondage is the consensual act of restraining a person’s movement using ropes, cuffs, straps, or other tools, often for sexual or psychological arousal. Clinically, it is classified under BDSM and specifically associated with physical restraint, power dynamics, and sensory control.
Forms of bondage range from simple wrist or ankle restraints to complex rope art (shibari) or full-body immobilisation. Some prefer soft materials and gentle restraint for sensory play, while others engage in strict bondage scenarios involving posture collars, spreader bars, or suspension. The aesthetic and ritual aspects of tying can also be highly eroticised for both the person restrained and the one applying the bondage.
From a psychological perspective, bondage allows for exploration of trust, vulnerability, and surrender. The restrained person may experience a deep sense of release or heightened sensation, while the person in control may feel empowered, nurturing, or creatively expressive. It often serves as a meditative or emotionally grounding experience.
Safety is paramount and includes the use of quick-release methods, constant monitoring of circulation and nerve response, and established safewords. Education on anatomy and regular partner check-ins are essential to prevent harm.
Related terms include restraint play, shibari, sensory deprivation, dominance and submission, and control kink, each engaging with aspects of physical or symbolic restraint.
