shackle

1 of 2

noun

shack·​le ˈsha-kəl How to pronounce shackle (audio)
Synonyms of shacklenext
1
: something (such as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms
2
: something that checks or prevents free action as if by fetters
—usually plural
3
: a usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms
4
: a length of cable or anchor chain of usually 15 fathoms

shackle

2 of 2

verb

shackled; shackling ˈsha-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce shackle (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to bind with shackles : fetter
b
: to make fast with or as if with a shackle
2
: to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps : impede
shackler
ˈsha-k(ə-)lər How to pronounce shackle (audio)
noun

Synonyms of shackle

Relevance

Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for shackle

hamper, trammel, clog, fetter, shackle, manacle mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting.

hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice
a people manacled by tyranny

Examples of shackle in a Sentence

Noun placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons Verb The guard shackled the prisoner. unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Tates entered the courtroom in shackles and matching tan jail jumpsuits, surrounded by four US marshals. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 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
Verb
Before Thursday’s hearing began, Schaefer, dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit and shackled at the ankles, smiled broadly and blew a kiss to his mother, Kia Walker, seated in the courtroom gallery. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 Conditions vary in different countries Some of the deportees have recounted being shackled while some were held in full-body restraint straitjackets called the WRAP during flights that can sometimes last more than 16 hours. — Mark Banchereau, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shackle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English schakel, from Old English sceacul; akin to Old Norse skǫkull pole of a cart

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shackle was before the 12th century

Rhymes for shackle

See All Rhymes for shackle

Browse Nearby Words

shackel
shackle
shackle bar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shackle. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

shackle

1 of 2 noun
shack·​le ˈshak-əl How to pronounce shackle (audio)
1
: a ring or band that prevents free use of the legs or arms
2
: something that prevents free action
—usually used in plural
3
: a U-shaped metal device for joining or fastening something

shackle

2 of 2 verb
shackled; shackling ˈshak-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce shackle (audio)
1
a
: to bind with shackles
the guard shackled the prisoner
b
: to make fast with a shackle
2
: to deprive of freedom of action : hinder
shackled by poverty
shackler
-(ə-)lər How to pronounce shackle (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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