Enchained: meaning, definitions and examples

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enchained

 

[ ɛnˈtʃeɪnd ]

Adjective / Verb
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'enchained' stems from the combination of 'en-', a prefix derived from Old French and Latin meaning 'to cause to be' or 'to put into', and 'chain', which comes from the Latin 'catena' meaning 'a chain'. The term began to appear in English around the 14th century, initially used in a literal sense to describe being physically bound with chains. Over time, the usage expanded to include metaphorical meanings, representing emotional or psychological restrictions. The evolution of 'enchained' reflects broader themes of captivity and constraint, which have persisted in literature and philosophy throughout the ages. Writers have often employed this term to capture the essence of being trapped in a figurative sense, representing the struggles of individuals against societal norms, personal fears, and historical injustices.