ENGLISH
REFERENCE

chained

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtʃeɪnd// UK //tʃˈeɪnd// chained

adj. connected to something or someone so you cannot move freely. You use this when rules, duties, or physical links stop you from doing what you want.

adj. restricted in movement or action by physical bonds, obligations, or dependencies. Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'feel' or 'be'.


SIMPLE

She felt chained to her desk all day.

CONTEXTUAL

The new software update left users chained to the old interface for another month.

COMPLEX

Though physically free, he remained chained to the expectations of his family, unable to pursue the artistic career he had always dreamed of.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often used with the preposition 'to' to indicate the source of restriction.

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