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   Shack·le

   /ˈSHak(ə)l/

   

   noun

   • 1. a pair of fetters connected together by a chain, used to fasten a prisoner's wrists or ankles together.
   • ▪ used in reference to something that restrains or impedes: "society is going to throw off the shackles of racism and colonialism"
   • 2. a metal link, typically U-shaped, closed by a bolt, used to secure a chain or rope to something.
   • ▪ a pivoted link connecting a spring in a vehicle's suspension to the body of the vehicle.

   verb

   • 1. chain with shackles: "the prisoner was shackled to the heavy steel chair in the center of the room" Similar chainfettermanaclesecuretie (up)bindtetherhobbleput in chainsput/clap in ironshandcuffarchaic:gyveOpposite free
   • ▪ restrain; limit: "they seek to shackle the oil and gas companies by imposing new controls" Similar restrainrestrictlimitconstrainhamperhinderimpedeobstructhandicaphamstringencumberinhibitcheckcurbtie downtie someone's handscramp someone's stylerare:trammelOpposite give someone free rein

   Word Origin Old Englishsc(e)acul ‘fetter’, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch schakel ‘link, coupling’.

   Scrabble Points: 16

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