chain

1 a series of things linked together the chain of events that led the American colonies to seek independence from Great Britain Synonyms catena, catenation, concatenation, consecution, nexus, progression, sequence, string, train Related Words chain reaction; belt, circle, cycle, vicious circle (also vicious cycle); continuum, gamut, gauntlet (also gantlet), scale, spectrum; flow, river, stream; file, line, queue, range, row, succession

2 something that makes movement or progress difficult this community will grow and prosper only after it has thrown off the chains of ignorance and prejudice Synonyms balk, bar, block, encumbrance, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammelRelated Words catch, hitch, rub, snag; barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall; arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint; embargo, stoppage; delay, holdup, stall; burden, cumber, load; danger, hazard, peril, reef; adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardshipNear Antonyms catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

3 something that physically prevents free movement chains on the prisoner's ankles Synonyms band, bind, bracelet, bond, cuff(s), fetter, handcuff(s), irons, ligature, manacle(s), shackleRelated Words captivity, confinement, constraint, curb, enchainment, enslavement, hindrance, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, restraint, restriction; entanglement, net, trammel, trap; collar, straitjacket (also straightjacket); fastener, hobble, hold, hold-down, holding, tie