tie
tie definition
tie (tī)
transitive verb tied, tying ty′·ing or tieing tie′·ing
- to fasten, attach, or bind together or to something else, as with string, cord, or rope made secure by knotting, etc. to tie someone's hands, to tie a boat to a pier
- to draw together or join the parts, ends, or sides of by tightening and knotting laces, strings, etc. to tie one's shoes
- to make by fastening together parts to tie fishing flies
- to make (a knot or bow)
- to make a knot or bow in to tie one's necktie
- to fasten, connect, join, or bind in any way tied by common interests
- to confine; restrain; restrict
- to equal the score or achievement of, as in a contest
- to equal (a score, record, etc.)
- Informal to join in marriage
- Music to connect with a tie
Etymology: ME tien < OE tigan, tegan; akin to teag, a rope: for IE base see tow
intransitive verb
- to be capable of being tied; make a tie
- to make an equal score or achievement, as in a contest
noun
- a string, lace, cord, etc. used to tie things
- something that connects, binds, or joins; bond; link a business tie, ties of affection
- something that confines, limits, or restricts legal ties
- necktie
- a beam, rod, etc. that holds together parts of a building and strengthens against stress
- ☆ any of the parallel crossbeams to which the rails of a railroad are fastened
- an equality of scores, votes, achievement, etc. in a contest
- a contest or match in which there is such an equality; draw; stalemate
- low shoes fastened with laces, as oxfords
- Music a curved line above or below two notes of the same pitch, indicating that the tone is to be held unbroken for the duration of their combined values
Etymology: ME tege, teige < OE teag, teah, a rope
adjective
that has been tied, or made equal a tie score
tie Idioms
tie down
to confine; restrain; restrict
tie in
☆- to bring into or have a connection
- to make or be consistent, harmonious, etc.
tie into
☆Informal to attack vigorously
tie off
- to make (a rope or line) fast
- to close off passage through by tying with something
tie one on
☆Slang to get drunk
tie up
- to tie firmly or securely
- to wrap up and tie with string, cord, etc.
- to moor (a ship or boat) to a dock
- ☆ to obstruct; hinder; stop
- to cause to be already in use, retained, committed, etc.
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