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.

Read more on 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:

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Literature

When the lion Leo feels enchained, the universe intervenes.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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