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

Rhymes with FETTER

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

²fetter

transitive verb

Definition of FETTER

1

: to put fetters on : shackle

2

: to restrain from motion, action, or progress

Examples of FETTER

1. He found himself fettered by responsibilities.
2. <museum artifacts that serve as somber reminders of the days when slaves were fettered with irons>

First Known Use of FETTER

before 12th century

Related to FETTER

Synonyms

chain, enchain, enfetter, bind, gyve, handcuff, manacle, pinion, shackle, trammel

Antonyms

unbind, unfetter, unshackle

Related Words

bit, hobble, hog-tie, iron, lash, secure, tie, truss; attach, fasten, join, link; confine, constrain, curb, hamper, hinder, impede; limit, restrict; entangle, tangle

Near Antonyms

emancipate, free, liberate, loose, release, rescue; undo, unfasten, untangle, untie; detach, disengage

See Synonym Discussion at hamper

Rhymes with FETTER

better, letter, netter, petter, whetter