# tether

**Pronunciation:** /ˈtɛðər/ · TETH-er

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** noun/verb

## Meaning 1: when describing physical restraint

A rope, chain, or similar restraint used to tie an animal or object to a fixed point to restrict its range of movement.

## Examples

- The farmer used a sturdy rope to tether the goat to a post in the meadow.
- Divers often use a safety tether to ensure they do not drift away from the boat in strong currents.
- The balloon was tethered to the ground to prevent it from floating away before the passengers boarded.

## Meaning 2: when describing emotional state

The limit of one's patience or endurance (used in the idiom 'at the end of one's tether').

## Examples

- After dealing with the noisy neighbors all night, she was at the end of her tether.
- The constant delays had the project manager at the end of his tether.
- He reached the end of his tether when the car broke down for the third time.

## Meaning 3: in technology

To connect a mobile device to a computer to share its internet connection.

## Examples

- I need to tether my phone to my laptop so I can finish this email.
- You can tether your tablet to your phone's hotspot if the Wi-Fi is down.
- Many modern smartphones allow you to tether multiple devices simultaneously.

## Synonyms

- tie — A general term for fastening things together.
- leash — Specifically used for controlling pets like dogs.
- fasten — Formal term for securing something firmly.
- moor — Used specifically for securing boats or ships.

## Common patterns

- tether to — To attach something securely to a specific point. — The boat was tethered to the dock during the storm.
- at the end of one's tether — Having no more patience or energy left. — I am at the end of my tether with this broken printer.

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