Enchained: meaning, definitions and examples

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enchained

 

[ɛnˈtʃeɪnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

literary context

Enchained refers to being bound or confined by chains, either literally or figuratively. It can denote a state of being imprisoned or restricted in some way, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally.

Synonyms

bound, restricted, shackled.

Examples of usage

  • The protagonists found themselves enchained by their circumstances.
  • In the depths of despair, he felt enchained by his fears.
  • The story depicted how the once free souls became enchained to their duties.
Context #2 | Verb

past participle

Enchained is the past participle of the verb 'enchaining', which means to bind or confine with chains. It is often used in a metaphorical sense to describe being held back by various forms of oppression or limitation.

Synonyms

bound, imprisoned, shackled.

Examples of usage

  • She felt her dreams were enchained by societal expectations.
  • The village was enchained by a long-standing feud.
  • He was enchained by his past mistakes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'enchained' comes from the Old French 'enchainer', meaning 'to bind with chains'.
  • It combines the prefix 'en-' (to make or cause) with 'chain', which has roots in Latin 'catena', meaning 'a chain'.
  • The term has been used in various literary works to symbolize restriction or lack of freedom.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, 'enchained' has often been used to describe the condition of enslaved individuals who were physically restrained.
  • The concept of being enchained has appeared in art and literature to critique oppressive systems and advocate for freedom.
  • During the 18th and 19th centuries, literature exploring themes of captivity often depicted characters as enchanted or enchained to signify their struggles.

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses 'enchained' to represent emotional captivity, like characters who are trapped in their own despair or societal roles.
  • In Shakespeare’s works, characters frequently express feelings of being enchained by fate or love.
  • Modern literature uses the term to reflect metaphorical chains, illustrating struggles with personal, societal, or psychological confines.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, feeling enchained can reference experiences of anxiety or depression, where individuals feel trapped by their emotions.
  • Therapy often aims to help individuals break free from mental chains, fostering personal growth and emotional freedom.
  • The idea of being enchained can resonate with the concept of learned helplessness, where individuals feel powerless due to repeated failures.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'enchained' appears in various songs and poetry, often symbolizing the struggle against personal demons and societal expectations.
  • Cinema frequently depicts characters who are physically or emotionally enchained, highlighting their journey to regain freedom.
  • Famous works like 'The Shawshank Redemption' explore themes of being enchained, both literally through imprisonment and metaphorically through life's constraints.

Translations

Translations of the word "enchained" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encadeado

🇮🇳 जकड़ा हुआ

🇩🇪 verkettet

🇮🇩 terikat

🇺🇦 в'язнений

🇵🇱 uwięziony

🇯🇵 鎖された

🇫🇷 enchaîné

🇪🇸 encadenado

🇹🇷 zincirlenmiş

🇰🇷 사슬에 묶인

🇸🇦 مقيد

🇨🇿 spoutaný

🇸🇰 spútaný

🇨🇳 被锁住的

🇸🇮 sprožen

🇮🇸 keðjaður

🇰🇿 байланысқан

🇬🇪 დაკავებული

🇦🇿 zəncirlənmiş

🇲🇽 encadenado