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

Initially, these were carried out with the aircraft tethered to the ground.

From BBC

"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

We may have escaped physically, but our souls and hearts remained tethered to our loved ones in Gaza.

From BBC

Off in the distance, a fence is glimpsed, suggesting a cultivated landscape rather than a wild one, while a lone telephone pole identifies the rural location as tethered to community via modern communication.

From Los Angeles Times

Still tethered around her neck is a dainty gold chain with the name of her fourth studio album, “Encuentros,” released Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bind
• moor
• restrain
• shackle