tie

¹tie

noun \ˈtī\

Definition of TIE

1

a : a line, ribbon, or cord used for fastening, uniting, or drawing something closed; especially : shoelace

b (1) : a structural element (as a rod or angle iron) holding two pieces together : a tension member in a construction (2) : any of the transverse supports to which railroad rails are fastened to keep them in line

2

: something that serves as a connecting link: as

a : a moral or legal obligation to someone or something typically constituting a restraining power, influence, or duty

b : a bond of kinship or affection

3

: a curved line that joins two musical notes of the same pitch to denote a single tone sustained through the time value of the two

4

a : an equality in number (as of votes or scores)

b : equality in a contest; also : a contest that ends in a draw

5

: a method or style of tying or knotting

6

: something that is knotted or is to be knotted when worn: as

a : necktie

b : a low laced shoe : oxford

— tie·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of TIE

1. He was wearing a suit and tie.
2. You have a spot on your tie.
3. The pants have a tie at the top.
4. He was not ready to accept the ties of family life.

Origin of TIE

Middle English teg, tye, from Old English tēag; akin to Old Norse taug rope, Old English tēon to pull — more at tow

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to TIE

Synonyms

dead heat, draw, stalemate, standoff

Related Words

deadlock, impasse; seesaw; photo finish; horse race, toss-up

Near Antonyms

detaching, disengaging, parting, separation; unbinding, unfastening, unfettering, untying (or untieing); emancipation, freedom, liberation, release

Other Railroad Terms

cowcatcher, cupola, gauge, vestibule, yard

²tie

verb

tiedty·ing \ˈtī-iŋ\ or tie·ing

Definition of TIE

transitive verb

1

a : to fasten, attach, or close by means of a tie

b : to form a knot or bow in <tie your scarf>

c : to make by tying constituent elements <tied a wreath> <tie a fishing fly>

2

a : to place or establish in relationship : connect

b : to unite in marriage

c : to unite (musical notes) by a tie

d : to join (power systems) electrically

3

: to restrain from independence or freedom of action or choice : constrain by or as if by authority, influence, agreement, or obligation

4

a (1) : to make or have an equal score with in a contest (2) : to equalize (the score) in a game or contest (3) : to equalize the score of (a game)

b : to provide or offer something equal to : equal

intransitive verb

: to make a tie: as

a : to make a bond or connection

b : to make an equal score

c : to become attached

d : to close by means of a tie

— tie into

: to attack with vigor

— tie one on

slang

: to get drunk

— tie the knot

: to perform a marriage ceremony; also : to get married

Examples of TIE

1. His kidnappers tied him to a chair.
2. She tied a scarf around her neck.
3. She tied knots in the rope.
4. You need to tie your shoe.
5. His hands and feet had been tied together.
6. She tied the apron loosely around her waist.
7. The team still has a chance to tie.
8. I had the lead but he tied me by making a birdie on the last hole.
9. Her time tied the world record.
10. He tied the school's record in the high jump.

First Known Use of TIE

before 12th century

Related to TIE

Synonyms

band, bind, truss

Antonyms

unbind, untie

Related Words

cinch, cord, rope, strap, thread, wire; gird, girt; lash, leash, tether; interlace, intertwine, interweave, lace; entangle, knot, snarl, tangle, twist; coil, wind

Near Antonyms

undo, unfasten, unlace, unlash, unloose, unloosen, unstrap, unstring, unthread; unleash, untether; disentangle, unravel, unsnarl, untangle, untwine, untwist; uncoil, unspool, unwind