English · Phrasal verb Attested

chain up

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To put in chains

Where it’s used: Used American English

They've drugged me, beaten and chained me up to the solitary confinement cell bars with metal restraints.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To put snow chains on the tires of a vehicle.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

What does “chain up” mean?

To put in chains

Is “chain up” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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