Synonyms for shackle
- verb
- noun
Synonyms by meaning
Verb
1. Fetter — to place (a person or animal) in shackles (noun etymology 1 sense 1); to immobilize or restrain using shackles
fetter, handcuff, chain, cuff, limit, clog, impede, check, cramp, embarrass, manacle, enchain, enshackle, restrain, encumber, inhibit, hinder, confine, obstruct, beshackle dated
2. Bind — to inhibit or restrain the ability, action, activity, or progress of (someone or something); to render…
Noun
2. Hobble — A restraint fitted over a human or animal appendage, such as an ankle, finger, or wrist, normally used in a…
Other
dragbar US, restraint, impediment
Definitions
- v. 1
To place (a person or animal) in shackles (noun etymology 1 sense 1); to immobilize or restrain using shackles.
- v. 2
To inhibit or restrain the ability, action, activity, or progress of (someone or something); to render (someone or something) incapable or ineffectual.
This law would effectively shackle its opposition.
- n. 1
A restraint fitted over a human or animal appendage, such as an ankle, finger, or wrist, normally used in a pair joined by a chain. Synonym of hobble or hopple (“a short strap tied between the legs of a horse, allowing it to wander a short distance but not to run off”).
- n. 2
A restraint fitted over a human or animal appendage, such as an ankle, finger, or wrist, normally used in a pair joined by a chain.
The prisoner lay in shackles in his gloomy cell.
Related words
- Word family
- shackled shackleless shackly
- Phrases
- harp shackle
Choose the right word
A shackle is a metallic ring, clasp, or bracelet-like fastening for encircling and restraining a limb: commonly one of a pair, used either for hands or feet.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- chain There was a chain-reaction crash during rush hour.
- cuff He lifted the cuff of his shirt and looked at his watch.
- handcuff If you make me angry, I'll handcuff you.
By length
- 3 letters
- tie1
- 4 letters
- give1, bond1, bind1, curb1, cuff1, clog1
- 5 letters
- check1, chain1, limit2, cramp1
- 6 letters
- hinder2, hamper2, impede2, pinion2, hobble2, fetter2, hopple2
- 7 letters
- inhibit3, confine2, repress2, trammel2, manacle, enchain, dragbar
- 8 letters
- restrict2, restrain2, obstruct2, handcuff2, encumber3
- 9 letters
- restraint2, embarrass3, enshackle, beshackle
- 10 letters
- impediment4, hamshackle
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (limit2 = 2 syllables).