Thesaurus

fetter

Q: How does the verb 'fetter' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fetter are clog , hamper , manacle , shackle , and trammel . While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost. // a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

Q: When might 'clog' be a better fit than 'fetter'?

While in some cases nearly identical to fetter , clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering. // a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Q: Where would 'hamper' be a reasonable alternative to 'fetter'?

The words hamper and fetter can be used in similar contexts, but hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence. // hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

Q: How does the word 'shackle' relate to other synonyms for 'fetter'?

Both shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom. // a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice // a people manacled by tyranny

Q: When can 'trammel' be used instead of 'fetter'?

The words trammel and fetter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net. // rules that trammel the artist's creativity

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of fetter

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

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2 something that makes movement or progress difficult

claims that government regulations are unnecessary fetters that keep him from achieving his business goals

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3 something that physically prevents free movement

considered a seat belt a pointless fetter—until one saved his life in an auto accident

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fetter

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of fetter (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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2 to create difficulty for the work or activity of

the belief that too many rules and restrictions fetter children's creativity

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Frequently Asked Questions About fetter

How does the verb fetter contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fetter are clog, hamper, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system