Synonyms of shackle

shackle 1 of 2

noun

ˈsha-kəl 

1

as in chain

something that physically prevents free movement

placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

2

as in embarrassment

shackles plural something that makes movement or progress difficult

the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

shackle

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to bind

to confine or restrain with or as if with chains

unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to hinder

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

shackled by poverty and ignorance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb shackle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of shackle are clog, fetter, hamper, manacle, 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 is it sensible to use clog instead of shackle?

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

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

When is fetter a more appropriate choice than shackle?

The meanings of fetter and shackle largely overlap; however, fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When might hamper be a better fit than shackle?

While in some cases nearly identical to shackle, hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

When would trammel be a good substitute for shackle?

While the synonyms trammel and shackle are close in meaning, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shackle

Noun

Wearing shackles and an orange jumpsuit, he is flanked by dozens of officers wearing NYPD and FBI gear. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Human Rights First raised concerns about the conditions on board the planes, with many deportees held in handcuffs or shackles for the entire flight, which can stop off in multiple countries and last more than 30 hours. —Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025

Verb

In footage from inside the building, the detainees could be seen running while handcuffed and their legs shackled, some falling to the ground amid the rush to get away from the gunfire. —Luke Barr, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2025

Routh, who represented himself and was not shackled during proceedings, appeared in restraints after attempting to stab himself following the verdict. —Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025