Synonyms of manacle

manacle 1 of 2

noun

1

as in chain

usually manacles plural something that physically prevents free movement

manacles prevented the bear from roaming beyond a very small area

Synonyms & Similar Words

• chain
• bond
• irons
• handcuff(s)
• constraint
• shackle
• bind
• restriction
• bracelet
• confinement
• fetter
• trap
• ligature
• band
• restraint
• net
• captivity
• imprisonment
• holding
• cuff(s)
• tie
• curb
• incarceration
• hindrance
• enslavement
• straightjacket
• collar
• straitjacket
• entanglement
• trammel
• enchainment
• hold
• immurement
• fastener
• hobble
• hold-down

2

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult

the warring groups need to shake off the manacle of their troubled past and learn to live with one another in peace

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• barrier
• shackles
• embarrassment
• chain
• interference
• impediment
• encumbrance
• let
• inhibition
• hindrance
• burden
• deterrent
• constraint
• fetter
• cramp
• handicap
• block
• stumbling block
• trammel
• stop
• bar
• hitch
• drag
• load
• clog
• brake
• crimp
• balk
• blockade
• rub
• restraint
• holdback
• arrest
• delay
• danger
• curb
• rein
• blockage
• snag
• stone wall
• embargo
• brick wall
• disadvantage
• catch
• hazard
• hobble
• stoppage
• difficulty
• stall
• peril
• reef
• hardship
• bit
• drawback
• holdup
• cumber
• adversity
• check

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stimulus
• catalyst
• incentive
• impetus
• spur
• advantage
• edge
• aid
• assistance
• break
• stimulant
• goad
• benefit
• help
• boost
• handmaid
• handmaiden

manacle

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to bind

to confine or restrain with or as if with chains

manacled the prisoner to the wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bind
• tie
• enchain
• shackle
• handcuff
• chain
• fetter
• hamper
• confine
• lash
• constrain
• pinion
• trammel
• gyve
• attach
• iron
• secure
• fasten
• link
• enfetter
• truss
• hobble
• bit
• hog-tie
• hinder
• curb
• restrict
• impede
• limit
• join
• tangle
• entangle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rescue
• liberate
• release
• free
• loose
• emancipate
• unshackle
• unfetter
• unbind
• untie
• unfasten
• undo
• untangle
• detach
• disengage

2

as in to hamper

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

in this situation, the police are manacled by unnecessary regulations

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hamper
• hinder
• impede
• embarrass
• obstruct
• shackle
• handicap
• fetter
• handcuff
• cramp
• inhibit
• interfere (with)
• restrain
• hobble
• hog-tie
• block
• encumber
• tie up
• delay
• trammel
• stymie
• hold back
• clog
• constrain
• disrupt
• tie
• bind
• short-circuit
• thwart
• tether
• give a hard time
• leash
• curb
• brake
• chain
• rein
• frustrate
• stifle
• retard
• hold up
• cramp one's style
• barricade
• strangle
• check
• balk
• arrest
• retain
• blockade
• halter
• choke
• confine
• bog (down)
• foil
• mire
• muzzle
• baffle
• sabotage
• suffocate
• stump
• repress
• smother
• roadblock
• derail
• hem (in)
• hedge (in)
• suppress

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aid
• help
• assist
• facilitate
• open
• liberate
• make way
• free
• release
• clear
• loosen
• untie
• unstop
• unplug
• smooth
• unclog
• promote
• encourage
• further

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb manacle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of manacle are clog, fetter, hamper, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice

a people manacled by tyranny

When might clog be a better fit than manacle?

Although the words clog and manacle have much in common, clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

When would fetter be a good substitute for manacle?

The words fetter and manacle can be used in similar contexts, but fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When is it sensible to use hamper instead of manacle?

The synonyms hamper and manacle are sometimes interchangeable, but hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

When can trammel be used instead of manacle?

The words trammel and manacle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity