shackle

noun
UK: /ˈʃæk.əl/
US: /ˈʃæk.əl/

  1. A metal fastening, usually one of a pair, for holding somebody's wrists or ankles together.

    1. The prisoner wore a shackle on his ankle.
    2. Figuratively, bureaucracy can act as a shackle, preventing innovation and progress within the company.

  2. Something that prevents you from behaving freely or doing what you want.

    1. He felt the shackle of responsibility weighing him down.
    2. The old laws placed a shackle on free expression, limiting the scope of artistic creativity.

Synonyms

bind fetter chain handcuff restraint
shackle transitive-verb

  1. To put shackles on someone.

    1. They shackle the prisoner to the wall.
    2. The police shackle the suspect before transporting him to the station.

  2. To prevent someone from acting freely.

    1. Don't let fear shackle your dreams.
    2. Tradition can sometimes shackle progress, preventing necessary changes and advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "shackle" in English means: A metal fastening, usually one of a pair, for holding somebody's wrists or ankles together., Something that prevents you from behaving freely or doing what you want..

The phonetic transcription of "shackle" is /ˈʃæk.əl/ in British English and /ˈʃæk.əl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "shackle": bind, fetter, chain, handcuff, restraint.

Example usage of "shackle": "The prisoner wore a shackle on his ankle.". More examples on the page.