chain up
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To attach something or someone to a place using a metal chain so they can't move or escape.
Literal meaning: To fasten something up using a chain — securing it in place.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To fasten an animal or object to something using a chain, so it cannot move freely.
"Please chain up your dog before entering the shop."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral
To restrain a person with chains, physically or metaphorically.
"The protesters chained themselves up to the factory gates to prevent the demolition."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Most commonly used for dogs (chained to a post), bicycles (locked with a chain), or in historical/fictional contexts for prisoners. When used about people metaphorically, it implies oppression or restriction of freedom.
Commonly used with
dog bicycle prisoner gate fence post
Forms
Base
chain up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
chains up
he/she/it
Past simple
chained up
yesterday
Past participle
chained up
have + pp
-ing form
chaining up
continuous
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Synonyms
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