tether

[ teth-er ]
/ ˈtɛð ər /

noun

a rope, chain, or the like, by which an animal is fastened to a fixed object so as to limit its range of movement.
the utmost length to which one can go in action; the utmost extent or limit of ability or resources.

verb (used with object)

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

Digital Technology. to use an electronic device to enable a wireless Internet connection on another device.

Idioms for tether

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

Origin of tether

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

OTHER WORDS FROM tether

un·teth·ered, adjective un·teth·er·ing, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for tethered

British Dictionary definitions for tethered

tether
/ (ˈtɛðə) /

noun

a restricting rope, chain, etc, by which an animal is tied to a particular spot
the range of one's endurance, etc
at the end of one's tether distressed or exasperated to the limit of one's endurance

verb

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

Word Origin for tether

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

Idioms and Phrases with tethered

tether

see end of one's rope (tether).