fetter

1 something that limits one's freedom of action or choice a time-honored tradition is fine as long as it doesn't become a fetter that prevents us from trying something new Synonyms check, circumscription, condition, constraint, curb, restriction, limitation, restraint, strictureRelated Words exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings; ban, prohibition, proscriptionNear Antonyms freedom, latitude

2 something that makes movement or progress difficult claims that government regulations are unnecessary fetters that keep him from achieving his business goals Synonyms balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammelRelated Words catch, hitch, rub, snag; barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall; arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint; embargo, stoppage; delay, holdup, stall; burden, cumber, load; danger, hazard, peril, reef; adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardshipNear Antonyms catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus; advantage, break, edge; aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

3 something that physically prevents free movement considered a seat belt a pointless fetter—until one saved his life in an auto accident Synonyms band, bind, bracelet, chain, cuff(s), bond, handcuff(s), irons, ligature, manacle(s), shackleRelated 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

1 to confine or restrain with or as if with chains museum artifacts that serve as somber reminders of the days when slaves were fettered with irons Synonyms chain, enchain, enfetter, bind, gyve, handcuff, manacle, pinion, shackle, trammelRelated Words bit, hobble, hog-tie, iron, lash, secure, tie, truss; attach, fasten, join, link; confine, constrain, curb, hamper, hinder, impede; limit, restrict; entangle, tangleNear Antonyms emancipate, free, liberate, loose, release, rescue; undo, unfasten, untangle, untie; detach, disengageAntonyms unbind, unfetter, unshackle

2 to create difficulty for the work or activity of the belief that too many rules and restrictions fetter children's creativity Synonyms clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammelRelated Words balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain; bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie; arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard; barricade, block, blockade, roadblock; bog (down), mire; choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate; baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart; derail, disrupt, sabotage; muzzle, repress, suppress; confine, hedge (in), hem (in)Near Antonyms clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop; free, liberate, release, untie; loosen, smooth; encourage, further, promoteAntonyms aid, assist, facilitate, help