tether
Americannoun
-
a rope, chain, or the like, by which an animal is fastened to a fixed object so as to limit its range of movement.
-
the utmost length to which one can go in action; the utmost extent or limit of ability or resources.
verb (used with object)
-
to fasten or confine with or as if with a tether.
-
Digital Technology. to use (an electronic device, usually a smartphone or tablet) to enable a wireless internet connection on another nearby device, often a laptop.
There's no Wi-Fi, so I'll have to tether my phone to my laptop.
verb (used without object)
idioms
noun
-
a restricting rope, chain, etc, by which an animal is tied to a particular spot
-
the range of one's endurance, etc
-
distressed or exasperated to the limit of one's endurance
verb
Other Word Forms
- untethering adjective
Etymology
Origin of tether
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (noun); compare Old Norse tjōthr, Dutch tuier
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When Max looked like her end was nigh, hearing Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush tethered her to reality, keeping her alive.
From BBC
Foreign brands, by contrast, often remain tethered to global decision-making structures that slow response times.
From MarketWatch
Without being tethered to a device, we’re free to move as we wish.
From Salon
Bond was set at $25,000 with the additional conditions of GPS tether monitoring and orders not to contact the alleged victim or go to the her residence.
From Los Angeles Times
"I think many of them are at the end of their tether and would actually quite like to leave Peopleton and are actually now trapped," Ms Robinson said.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
