chains

/tʃeɪnz/
verb
  1. To fasten or secure with a chain.
    • They chained their bikes to the railing.
    • The guard chained the gate shut every night.
    • She chained the dog to a tree in the yard.
  2. To restrict or confine someone or something.
    • Fear chained him to his desk, unable to take a risk.
    • Old traditions can chain a society to the past.
    • The protesters chained themselves to the building's entrance.
noun
  1. A series of connected metal rings used for pulling, holding, or securing things.
    • He used a chain to pull the car out of the mud.
    • The dog was tied to a post with a heavy chain.
    • The gate was locked with a padlock and chain.
  2. A series of connected things or events.
    • A chain of mountains stretched across the horizon.
    • She owns a chain of coffee shops in the city.
    • The accident caused a chain of events that led to new safety rules.
  3. A group of stores or businesses under the same ownership.
    • That grocery chain has locations in five states.
    • He works for a fast-food chain as a manager.
    • The hotel chain offers discounts for frequent guests.
  4. Something that restricts or limits freedom (often used in plural).
    • The prisoners were kept in chains.
    • The new law placed chains on the company's ability to pollute.
    • She finally broke free from the chains of her old habits.
Antonyms