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)

Derived Forms

• enˈchainment, noun

Other Words From

• en·chainment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enchain¹

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

Example Sentences

Pleasure they regarded as an evil, having a tendency to enchain man to earthly enjoyments, a peculiarly Buddhist tenet.

From Project Gutenberg

This houri of Sa'adi would not pause to note the difference in writing; the vitalness of the subject would enchain her thoughts.

From Project Gutenberg

Utter weakness gripped his body; but more than this seemed to enchain him.

From Project Gutenberg

Few writers of the day have the power of Mr. Marshall to enchain interest and yet to disregard conventional devices.

From Project Gutenberg

Told with a vim and vividness and with a keen and caustic humour which charm and enchain you throughout.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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