tie up

tie up

verb

Definition of TIE UP

transitive verb

1

: to attach, fasten, or bind securely; also : to wrap up and fasten

2

a : to connect closely : join <tie up the loose ends>

b : to cause to be linked so as to depend on or relate to something

3

a : to place or invest in such a manner as to make unavailable for other purposes <their money was tied up in stocks>

b : to restrain from normal movement, operation, or progress <traffic was tied up for miles>

4

a : to keep busy <was tied up in conference all day>

b : to preempt the use of <tied up the phone for an hour>

intransitive verb

1

: dock <the ferry ties up at the south slip>

2

: to assume a definite relationship <this ties up with what I told you before>

Examples of TIE UP

1. <an accident is tying up traffic at 5th and Broadway>

First Known Use of TIE UP

1530

Related to TIE UP

Synonyms

clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, hamper, trammel

Antonyms

aid, assist, facilitate, help

Related Words

balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain; bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie; arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard; barricade, block, blockade, roadblock; bog (down), mire; choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate; baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart; derail, disrupt, sabotage; muzzle, repress, suppress; confine, hedge (in), hem (in)

Near Antonyms

clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop; free, liberate, release, untie; loosen, smooth; encourage, further, promote