tether

[teth-er]

noun

1. a rope, chain, or the like, by which an animal is fastened to a fixed object so as to limit its range of movement.

2. the utmost length to which one can go in action; the utmost extent or limit of ability or resources.

verb (used with object)

1. to fasten or confine with or as if with a tether.

2. 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)

1. Digital Technology.,  to use an electronic device to enable a wireless internet connection on another device.

tether

/ ˈtɛðə /

noun

1. a restricting rope, chain, etc, by which an animal is tied to a particular spot

2. the range of one's endurance, etc

3. distressed or exasperated to the limit of one's endurance

verb

1. (tr) to tie or limit with or as if with a tether

Other Word Forms

• untethering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tether¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (noun); compare Old Norse tjōthr, Dutch tuier

Word History and Origins

Origin of tether¹

C14: from Old Norse tjothr; related to Middle Dutch tūder tether, Old High German zeotar pole of a wagon

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at the end of one's tether, at the end of one's resources, patience, or strength.

see end of one's rope (tether).

Example Sentences

Since his family is gone, nothing tethers him to his human life.

From Salon

But my home life as a child was more loving and supportive, so I had to do some creative work to find that tether to Bruce.

From Los Angeles Times

Even as his own dreams are beginning to materialize, Tonatiuh, 30, remains tethered to these places and people.

From Los Angeles Times

“Putting aside the NIL agreements, the question of whether a player’s time has run remains in full force. The eligibility question is not tethered to the question of compensation or commercial transaction.”

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers used a special coring drill - a bit like a huge apple-corer - tethered to a research ship, to drill at depths of up to 500m.

From BBC

Related Words

• cord 
• harness 
• leash 
• rope 
• shackle