tie (tī)

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[Middle English tien, from Old English tīgan.]

verb: tied, ty·ing (tī́ĭng), ties. 

transitive verb 

1. To fasten or secure with or as if with a cord, rope, or strap: tied the kite to a post; tie up a bundle.
2. To fasten by drawing together the parts or sides and knotting with strings or laces: tied her shoes.
3. 1. To make by fastening ends or parts: tie a knot.
   2. To put a knot or bow in: tie a neck scarf.
4. To confine or restrict as if with cord: duties that tied him to the office.
5. To bring together in relationship; connect or unite: friends who were tied by common interests; people who are tied by blood or marriage.
6. 1. To equal (an opponent or an opponent's score) in a contest.
   2. To equal an opponent's score in (a contest): tied the game with minutes remaining.
7. Music To join (notes) by a tie.

intransitive verb 

1. To be fastened or attached: The apron ties at the back.
2. To achieve equal scores in a contest.

noun 

1. A cord, string, or other means by which something is tied.
2. Something that connects or unites; a link: a blood tie; marital ties.
3. A necktie.
4. A beam or rod that joins parts and gives support.
5. One of the beams, usually made of wood, that are laid across a railroad bed to secure the rails.
6. 1. An equality of scores, votes, or performance in a contest: The election ended in a tie.
   2. A contest so resulting; a draw.
7. Music A curved line above or below two notes of the same pitch, indicating that the tone is to be sustained for their combined duration.

phrasal verbs

tie in

To bring into or have a close or effective relation; connect or coordinate: two events that do not tie in; tying the movie promotion in with the book sales.

tie into

To attack energetically.

tie up

Nautical To secure or be secured to a shore or pier; dock.

To impede the progress of; block: The accident tied up traffic.

To keep occupied; engage: She was tied up in a meeting all morning. The phone was tied up for an hour.

To place (funds) so as to make inaccessible for other uses: tied up her cash in long-term investments.

idioms

tie one on

To become intoxicated; go on a drinking spree.

tie the knot

To get married. To perform a marriage ceremony.