fetters; fettered; fettering
1
formal
: to prevent (someone or something) from moving or acting freely
He found himself fettered by responsibilities.
restrictions that fetter [=hinder] creativity
2
old-fashioned
: to put chains around someone's feet to prevent motion
fetter [=shackle] a prisoner
Cite this Entry
“Fetter.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fetter. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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