chains

see definition of chains

nounsuccession, series

nounconnected metal links; jewelry made of such links
verbmanacle in metal

Synonyms for chains

noun succession, series

Antonyms for chains

interruption

fence

noun. barrier used to enclose a piece of land

handcuffs

noun. manacles

bracelets
braces
chains
clamps
cuffs
fetters
iron rings
shackles
snaps
wristlets

Word Origin & History

c.1300, from Old French chaeine "chain" (12c., Modern French chaîne), from Latin catena "chain" (source also of Spanish cadena, Italian catena), of unknown origin, perhaps from PIE root *kat- "to twist, twine" (cf. Latin cassis "hunting net, snare").

Figurative use from c.1600. As a type of ornament worn about the neck, from late 14c. Chain of stores is American English, 1846. Chain gang is from 1834; chain reaction is from 1916 in physics, specific nuclear physics sense is from 1938; chain mail first recorded 1822, in Scott, from mail (n.2). Before that, mail alone sufficed. Chain letter recorded from 1892; usually to raise money at first; decried from the start as a nuisance.

Chain smoker is attested from 1886, originally of Bismarck (who smoked cigars), thus probably a loan-translation of German Kettenraucher. Chain-smoking is from 1930.

Example Sentences for chains

There he hammered at weapons or chains or whatever happened to be his need.

I have therefore had to create for myself some tasks which will hold me to my chains.

She walked up and down the room with the air of a princess in chains.

He had chains about his neck and several devils were dragging him along.

I wish you would buy me a collar and chains like those, papa.'

It has however served to weaken her prepossessions, and relax the chains of her attachment.

We get used to the chains we wear, and we miss them when removed.

At length he threw off the chains which had so long bound him.

Practically, there were nearer a hundred chains of boundary.

He was taken in chains to Cadiz, Spain, arriving there in December, 1500.

chains

Synonyms for chains

Antonyms for chains

fence

fetters

handcuffs

restraint

servitude

chains

Synonyms .css-1u0ksf7{color:#d9d9d9;}for chains

Antonyms for chains

More words related to chains

.css-1unrqcp{color:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}bondage

fence

fetters

handcuffs

restraint

servitude

Synonyms for chains

bondage