fetter

¹fet·ter

noun \ˈfe-tər\

Definition of FETTER

1

: a chain or shackle for the feet

2

: something that confines : restraint

Examples of FETTER

1. <a time-honored tradition is fine as long as it doesn't become a fetter that prevents us from trying something new>
2. <claims that government regulations are unnecessary fetters that keep him from achieving his business goals>

Origin of FETTER

Middle English feter, from Old English; akin to Old English fōt foot

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FETTER

Synonyms: check, circumscription, condition, constraint, curb, restriction, limitation, restraint, stricture

Related Words: exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings; ban, prohibition, proscription

Near Antonyms: freedom, latitude

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Rhymes with FETTER

better, bettor, debtor, getter, letter, netter, petter, setter, sweater, tetter, whetter