fesseln
Translation
to chain, to shackle, to captivate, to fascinate
Examples
Der Dieb wurde an einen Stuhl gefesselt.
The thief was tied to a chair.
Die Geschichte fesselte die Zuhörer.
The story captivated the listeners.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to captivate/shackle sb./sth. The exciting thriller captivated him.
Similar Words
Synonyms: binden (to tie); faszinieren (to fascinate)
Etymology
Derived from the noun 'die Fessel' (shackle, fetter).
Memory Tips
It has a literal meaning (to tie someone up) and a figurative one (to be captivated), as if your attention is 'shackled'.