shackle

¹shack·le

noun \ˈsha-kəl\

Definition of SHACKLE

1

: something (as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms

2

: something that checks or prevents free action as if by fetters —usually used in plural

3

: a usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms

4

: a length of cable or anchor chain of usually 15 fathoms

Examples of SHACKLE

1. <placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners>
2. <the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons>

Origin of SHACKLE

Middle English schakel, from Old English sceacul; akin to Old Norse skǫkull pole of a cart

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SHACKLE

Synonyms

band, bind, bracelet, chain, cuff(s), fetter, handcuff(s), irons, ligature, manacle(s), bond

Related Words

captivity, confinement, constraint, curb, enchainment, enslavement, hindrance, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, restraint, restriction; entanglement, net, trammel, trap; collar, straitjacket (also straightjacket); fastener, hobble, hold, hold-down, holding, tie

Near Antonyms

catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

Rhymes with SHACKLE

cackle, crackle, grackle, hackle, macle, rackle, spackle, tackle

²shackle

transitive verb

shack·ledshack·ling \-k(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of SHACKLE

1

a : to bind with shackles : fetter

b : to make fast with or as if with a shackle

2

: to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps : impede

— shack·ler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun

Examples of SHACKLE

1. The guard shackled the prisoner.
2. <unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house>

First Known Use of SHACKLE

15th century

Related to SHACKLE

Synonyms

chain, enchain, enfetter, fetter, gyve, handcuff, manacle, pinion, bind, 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 SHACKLE

cackle, crackle, hackle, tackle