Synonyms of shackles

shackles 1 of 2

noun

plural of shackle

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

shackles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of shackle

1

as in binds

to confine or restrain with or as if with chains

unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

• binds
• chains
• ties
• handcuffs
• fetters
• confines
• hampers
• manacles
• constrains
• trammels
• lashes
• gyves
• enchains
• bits
• pinions
• attaches
• irons
• enfetters
• links
• curbs
• limits
• hobbles
• trusses
• secures
• fastens
• hinders
• restricts
• impedes
• hog-ties
• joins
• tangles
• entangles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberates
• frees
• releases
• rescues
• emancipates
• unshackles
• unbinds
• looses
• unties
• undoes
• unfetters
• unfastens
• detaches
• untangles
• disengages

2

as in hampers

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

shackled by poverty and ignorance

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hampers
• hinders
• impedes
• embarrasses
• obstructs
• fetters
• handicaps
• handcuffs
• blocks
• trammels
• manacles
• interferes (with)
• inhibits
• hobbles
• encumbers
• cramps
• short-circuits
• delays
• clogs
• stymies
• constrains
• ties up
• restrains
• holds back
• chains
• disrupts
• reins
• ties
• hog-ties
• curbs
• tethers
• brakes
• binds
• gives a hard time
• cramps one's style
• thwarts
• leashes
• holds up
• frustrates
• confines
• stifles
• barricades
• checks
• roadblocks
• balks
• retards
• arrests
• retains
• halters
• strangles
• blockades
• chokes
• baffles
• foils
• bogs (down)
• muzzles
• stumps
• suffocates
• mires
• sabotages
• smothers
• derails
• hedges (in)
• represses
• hems (in)
• suppresses

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• helps
• aids
• facilitates
• assists
• opens
• liberates
• frees
• releases
• clears
• unties
• loosens
• unplugs
• unstops
• makes way
• unclogs
• encourages
• promotes
• smooths
• furthers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shackles

Noun

The lawsuit alleges that county policy requires jail inmates to be restrained in handcuffs, waist chains and leg shackles while being transported. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026

But advocates say that for many Haitians in Springfield, the devices evoke the painful history of shackles worn during slavery. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Wearing dark blue jail garb, handcuffs and iron shackles around his waist, Caruso on Friday was ordered to surrender his passport before release. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Opening statements by defense Anthony's defense attorney, Russell Wilson, opened by requesting that Anthony be removed from his shackles, which Chitty approved. — Cbs Texas Staff, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

And shackles where the very system was preventing me from delivering value. — Alex Crippen, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Somehow, the models managed to slip out of their shackles and go on a mini hacking spree. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 29 July 2026

They were then arrested and taken to prison — while reportedly holding hands and sharing a kiss in shackles. — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Burke entered the packed courtroom with shackles around his waist and, for a brief moment, seemed to smile shyly at the room. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 22 July 2026