enchain

[en-cheyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to bind in or as in chain or chains; fetter; restrain.

   to be enchained by ignorance and superstition.

2. to hold fast, as the attention.

enchain

/ ɪnˈtʃeɪn /

verb

1. to bind with chains

2. to hold fast or captivate (the attention, etc)

Other Word Forms

• enchainment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enchain¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French enchainer, enchaener. See en- ¹, chain

Example Sentences

Yet it’s an alarming way to express one’s intent for a woman who is already effectively enchained.

From Los Angeles Times

In one of Unferth’s omniscient, sweeping surveys of the industry’s technologically souped-up mechanics, its dystopia of automation, she pinpoints the irony of nature enchained:

From Los Angeles Times

Eight days later, a poorly shot hostage video aired by the Colombian channel RCN showed three distraught, enchained men pleading for their lives.

From The Guardian

At every approach of horseman, cart, or carriage, I turned fearfully, certain I should see some minister of injustice come to enchain us.

From Literature

When the lion Leo feels enchained, the universe intervenes.

From Salon

Related Words

• complicate 
• confuse 
• embarrass 
• embroil 
• enmesh 
• ensnare 
• entrap 
• implicate 
• intertwine 
• interweave 
• perplex 
• snare 
• snarl 
• tangle 
• unsettle