enchain

As Johnson wrote, “to enchain syllables, and to lash the wind, are equally the undertakings of pride, unwilling to measure its desires by its strength.”

From Slate ● May 31, 2012

At every approach of horseman, cart, or carriage, I turned fearfully, certain I should see some minister of injustice come to enchain us.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Tie your knots, she sang again and again, enchain! — enchain! — enchain me!

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson

Abstaining from merely theoretical speculations, he exhibits a profound insight into the operation of political causes, which he unfolds with great sagacity, and in a manner suited to enchain the attention of the reader.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, vol 1-98, 1850-1899 None by Various (magazine) Harper

Euripides was doubtless in his day a sensation dramatist, but the atrocities of Medea could not enchain me, with so much dreadful mystery afoot in my immediate neighbourhood.

From Lost Sir Massingberd, v. 2/2 A Romance of Real Life by James Payn

Now, there is disorder in the world, disorder produced by the play of spontaneous forces which no power enchains: how can that be, if everything is the result of fate?

From System of Economical Contradictions; or, the Philosophy of Misery by P.-J. (Pierre-Joseph) Proudhon

Homer, too, especially in his Odyssey, charms and enchains us with his beautiful descriptions of family felicity and family purity.

From Cannibals all! or, Slaves without masters by George Fitzhugh

Yet enchains she not Others unto the like.

From The Legendary and Poetical Remains of John Roby author of 'Traditions of Lancashire', with a sketch of his literary life and character by John Roby

But in these dramas we rarely miss the interest and charm of a dramatic story, which provokes the curiosity and enchains the attention.

From Handbook of Universal Literature From the Best and Latest Authorities by Anne C. Lynch Botta

What is that power which enchains men and women for a season when death itself would be preferable to the bitter sweetness which fills the soul.

From An I.D.B. in South Africa by Louise Vescelius-Sheldon

When we first encounter the character, enchained in the dungeon at the opening of Act II, Florestan rises from exhaustion and cries out, “Gott! welch’ Dunkel hier!”

From New York Times ● Mar. 17, 2017

“With regard to black people, I think they are tired of seeing themselves enchained and downtrodden.”

From New York Times ● May 18, 2016

If my imagination weren't enchained by so much witless tradition and conformity, I might tag this segment to some more majestic and impromptu pattern of my own devising, one that reaches clear across the ecliptic.

From Slate ● Jul. 12, 2012

The world gained as a result of the Great War a freedom from the menace of organized militarist imperialism without which all peoples sooner or later would have been enchained in bondage and vassalage.

From Time Magazine Archive

Eisman was enchained, however, by FrontPoint Partners and, by extension, Morgan Stanley.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Around them he grouped hostile, enchaining circumstances, which they confront fearlessly and, for a time perhaps, master, until the hour comes when they can no longer conquer.

From The Growth of English Drama by Arnold Wynne

It appears to me to be written with wonderful power of enchaining the attention.

From The Lost Hunter A Tale of Early Times by John Turvill Adams

There was comfort in this—and Martley itself, house, gardens, woodlands, the lake, the vistas of the purple wolds of forest country, all contributed to her enchaining.

From Love and Lucy by Maurice Henry Hewlett

But the supple and treacherous city knew the secret of enchaining the will.

From Saint Augustin by Vincent O'Sullivan

Notwithstanding, the bright little town ends by enchaining us completely.

From A Midsummer Drive Through the Pyrenees by Edwin Asa Dix