English Meaning & Definitions
A metal link, loop, or shackle used to fasten or secure something, or a pair of fetters used to bind a prisoner's wrists or ankles.
- “The prisoner's ankles were held together by heavy iron shackles.”
- “The crane operator attached the load to the hook using a steel shackle.”
To chain or bind with shackles; figuratively, to restrict or inhibit the freedom or progress of someone or something.
- “The new regulations will shackle the growth of small businesses in the region.”
- “He felt shackled by the expectations of his family.”
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “shackle”.
Derived from the Old English 'sceacel', meaning 'fetter' or 'bond', related to the Middle Dutch 'schackel' (link of a chain). It shares a root with the word 'shake', originally referring to something that restricts movement or 'shakes' the limbs by binding them.
Think of a 'shackle' as a 'shaky' chain that keeps a prisoner from moving freely.
Frequently Asked Questions About “shackle”
1. What is the meaning of “shackle” in English?
In English, shackle (noun) is defined as: “A metal link, loop, or shackle used to fasten or secure something, or a pair of fetters used to bind a prisoner's wrists or ankles.”.
2. How do you use “shackle” in a sentence?
“The prisoner's ankles were held together by heavy iron shackles.”
3. What are English synonyms of “shackle”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “shackle”?
Derived from the Old English 'sceacel', meaning 'fetter' or 'bond', related to the Middle Dutch 'schackel' (link of a chain). It shares a root with the word 'shake', originally referring to something that restricts movement or 'shakes' the limbs by binding them.
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