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. at the end of one's tether
   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 Words From

• un·teth·er·ing 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.

More idioms and phrases containing tether

see end of one's rope (tether) .

Example Sentences

“What I’ve learned about being in this relationship is that it’s not for public consumption. So I think as of now, I don’t have a comment on the status of the relationship, per se,” Fox said, conceding that she still thinks of Kelly as her “twin soul,” and that “there will always be a tether to him no matter what.”

From Los Angeles Times

"He passed it presumably because it went back and then gratefully I received the £7,500 because I was at the end of my tether at that stage."

From BBC

She read it just as quickly, discovering a personal tether to the story.

From Los Angeles Times

I was also happy to share some of the hiking accessories I stock it with, including a waterproof reporters notebook on a retractable cord, a phone tether lanyard securing my iPhone to my pocket and my collapsible water bottle.

From Los Angeles Times

The Agence France-Presse photographer ended up with an extraordinary shot, capturing Medina and his board in midair above the water, both vertical and nearly parallel to each other, attached several feet apart by his surfboard leash, which looked like a horizontal tether.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bind
• moor
• restrain
• shackle