tie

tie n 1 *bond, band

2 *draw, stalemate, deadlock, standoff

Analogous words: equality, equivalence (see corresponding adjectives at SAME)

tie vb Tie, bind both mean to make fast or secure. They are often used interchangeably without marked loss, but since in both their primary and extended senses they carry fundamentally distinct connotations, greater precision in their use is often possible. Tie basically implies the use of a cord or rope to attach one thing that may wander or move to another that is stable

{

I'll tie them [our horses] in the wood— Shak.

}

Bind, on the other hand, implies the use of a band or bond (see BOND n) to attach two or more things so that they are held firmly together or brought into union

{

gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles— Mt 13:30

}

{

bind a sprained ankle

}

{

a fillet binds her hair— Pope

}

{

bind a person hand and foot

}

In extended use, especially when what is tied or bound is a person, both terms imply a deprivation of liberty and an imposed restraint. Tie, however, specifically suggests a being held down by something stronger than oneself and an inability to get away or free oneself

{

tied to a job

}

{

tied to an unsympathetic wife

}

Bind, on the other hand, either suggests a being held together in a close union, for the sake of strength or mutual support

{

the common danger bound all classes together

}

{

and vows of faith each to the other bind— Shelley

}

or a being held down by such a bond, as a pledge, a compact, a duty, or an obligation, or by a bond of blood, marriage, or friendship

{

and vows, that bind the will, in silence made— Wordsworth

}

{

"Are you engaged?" . . . "There's someone .... We don't want to spoil things by having anything definite and binding"—Gibbons

}

Analogous words: *fasten, attach: *secure, rivet, anchor, moor: *join, connect, link

Antonyms: untie