繋つなぎ止とめる

ichidan verb, transitive verb

tie; fasten; hitch

Physical sense: tie or fasten something so it doesn't come loose or drift away. Often used for securing boats, animals, or objects with rope.

• ボートを岸きしに繋つなぎ止とめる。

  I tie the boat to the shore.

• 犬いぬが逃にげないように木きに繋つなぎ止とめた。

  I tied the dog to a tree so it wouldn't run away.

ichidan verb, transitive verb

secure; retain; keep

Abstract sense: keep someone or something from leaving, losing interest, or ending. Used for customers, employees, relationships, attention, or even life.

• 常じょう連れん客きゃくを繋つなぎ止とめるためにサービスを改かい善ぜんした。

  We improved our service to retain regular customers.

• 彼かれの一ひと言ことが私わたしの命いのちを繋つなぎ止とめた。

  His words saved my life (kept me holding on).