pinioned
Definition
- Adjective:
- Bound fast, especially having the arms restrained: Describes a person or creature whose arms or limbs are tied or held securely, preventing movement.
- (Of birds) especially having the flight feathers cut or clipped: Describes a bird whose primary flight feathers (pinions) have been cut or clipped to prevent it from flying.
Usage Examples
- Adjective (Restrained):
- The captive was pinioned against the wall by the guards.
- He struggled helplessly with his arms pinioned behind his back.
- Adjective (Bird):
- The swan was pinioned at the park so it could not migrate.
- Pinioned birds, such as some zoo waterfowl, can walk and swim but cannot fly away.
Advanced Usage
- The term often implies a deliberate act of restraint or control, either for security (for a person) or management (for a bird).
- It can be used figuratively to describe a feeling of being severely restricted or held back.
- She felt pinioned by her family's expectations.
Variants and Related Words
- Pinion (noun): 1. The outer part of a bird's wing including the flight feathers. 2. A small gear that engages with a larger gear or rack.
- Pinion (verb): To bind or hold the arms of (someone); to restrain. To cut off the pinion of (a bird) to prevent flight.
- Shackled, Manacled, Fettered: Synonyms for being bound, typically referring to legs or hands with metal restraints.
Synonyms
- Restrained, Shackled, Immobilized, Secured, Bound.
- (For birds) Clipped, Grounded.
Antonyms
- Freed, Released, Unbound, Unfettered.
- (For birds) Flighted, Airborne.
Related Phrases
- To pinion someone's arms: To securely hold or tie someone's arms.
- The officer managed to pinion the suspect's arms before he could reach for a weapon.
Adjective
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bound fast especially having the arms restrained
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(of birds) especially having the flight feathers
