tether

/ˈtɛðər/
noun
  1. A rope, chain, or similar device used to tie an animal or object to a fixed point, limiting its movement.
    • He attached a tether to his kayak so it wouldn't drift away.
    • The dog chewed through its tether and ran into the woods.
    • The goat's tether was long enough to let it reach the grass.
  2. A limit or restriction on someone's freedom or movement.
    • The new rules put a tight tether on what employees could do.
    • Living with his parents put a financial tether on his independence.
    • She felt the tether of her responsibilities pulling her back home.
verb
  1. To tie an animal or object to a fixed point with a rope or chain.
    • We need to tether the tent to the ground so it doesn't blow away.
    • She tethered her bike to the rack with a strong lock.
    • The farmer tethered the horse to a post near the barn.
  2. To limit or restrict someone's freedom or movement.
    • The new policy tethered the team's creativity to strict guidelines.
    • His fear of failure tethered him to a job he hated.
    • Don't let past mistakes tether you to a life you don't want.
Synonyms
Antonyms
What does "tether" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean