Definition of "tether" in English

noun

1. A rope, cable etc. that holds something in place whilst allowing some movement.

2. (figurative) The limit of one's abilities, resources, patience, etc.

   • Since his hours have increased, I feel that he is at the end of his tether.

3. (figurative) An attachment to a place, time, entity or person.

   • Despite moving, he maintained a strong tether to his culture back home.

4. (nautical, sailing) A strong rope or line that connects a sailor's safety harness to the boat's jackstay.

verb

1. (transitive) To restrict with, or as if with, a tether.

   • The cowboy tethered his horse outside the saloon.

2. (transitive) To connect to something else.

numeral

1. Alternative form of tethera.