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."
separable
chain up
B2 neutral separable transitive
To restrain a person, animal, or object by fastening it with a chain.
In plain English
To attach something or someone to a place using a metal chain so they can't move or escape.
What does "chain up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fasten something up using a chain — securing it in place.
Actually means
To attach something or someone to a place using a metal chain so they can't move or escape.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "chain up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
dog bicycle prisoner gate fence post
How to conjugate "chain up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "chain up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "chain up"
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