tether

American  

[teth-er] / ˈtɛð ər /

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.

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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.

idioms

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

tether British  

/ 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

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verb

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

tether More Idioms  

1. see end of one's rope (tether).

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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

It’s like my cousin is tethered to me by an invisible braid that we cannot unravel until Labor Day.

From Literature

A tether to his house and his bidding.

From Literature

The girl’s spirit shimmered above her, connected to her body by a dozen delicate white tethers, like the whiskery roots of a mushroom.

From Literature

Scanners tethered to a smartphone help them find the packages on long rows of shelves.

From The Wall Street Journal

He thought it was completely rational to tether me to some man before my wicked acts came to light.

From Literature

Related Words

• cord
• harness
• leash
• rope
• shackle