Within the BDSM scene, bondage refers to practices that tie up or restrict freedom of movement. The term originates from the English language. The aim is mainly sexual stimulation; however, there are special forms where bondage is used for aesthetic or other reasons. The rarely used term Vincilagnia denotes sexual excitability through restrictions or bondage.
Bondage with all its variants is represented by the letter B in the multi-layered acronym BDSM. The acronym is composed of bondage & discipline, dominance & submission, sadism & masochism. Bondage plays a role in all of these areas, but can also be practiced as an independent practice separate from the other practices of BDSM. Sexuality and eroticism is an important aspect within bondage, but they are often not an end in themselves. Further emphasis can be placed on aesthetics, sensation and concentration.