chain

A line of connected metal rings, used to hold things, move machinery, or make jewelry.

• She wears a gold chain.
• The chain on my bicycle broke.
• These heavy chains hold the gate shut.

Similar words: string, rackle

Common phrases: gold chain, bicycle chain, metal chain

A series of things connected to each other or happening one after another.

• One mistake started a chain of problems.
• The islands form a long chain.
• The news caused a chain reaction across the industry.

How to use it: a chain of something (A chain of delays ruined our plans.)

Similar words: series, sequence

Common phrases: chain of events, chain reaction, supply chain

A group of shops, hotels, or restaurants that share a name and owner.

• She works for a hotel chain.
• The chain opened three new stores.
• Which restaurant chains serve breakfast?

Similar words: streak, string

Common phrases: hotel chain, restaurant chain, chain of stores

An object made of connected rings, worn for decoration or as a sign of office.

• He clipped a chain to his wallet.
• The mayor wore her chain of office.
• Silver chains hung from their jackets.

Similar words: string, rackle

Common phrases: wallet chain, chain of office, decorative chain

Something that limits your freedom or keeps you under control.

• She broke the chains of fear.
• They struggled against the chains of tradition.
• He wanted to escape the chains of debt.

How to use it: the chains of something (Education helped them escape the chains of poverty.)

Similar words: bond, restraint

Common phrases: chain of habit, chain of slavery, break a chain

To attach or hold something using connected metal rings.

• He chained his bicycle to a post.
• They chained the gate shut.
• Why is that dog chained up?

How to use it: chain something to something (She chained her bike to the railing.); chain someone/something up (They chained the dog up outside.)

Similar words: fasten, secure

Opposites: unchain

Common phrases: chain a gate, chain someone up, chain something to something, chain a bicycle

To connect things closely, or make someone unable to leave a job, habit, or situation.

• Debt chained him to a job he hated.
• These duties chain her to her desk.
• We chained the tasks together into one process.

How to use it: chain someone to something (Her responsibilities chain her to the office.); chain things together (The software chains several tasks together.)

Similar words: bind, tie

Opposites: free

Common phrases: chain someone to something, chain things together