n. 1 Often, shackles. fetter(s), leg-iron(s), chains, iron(s), bilboes, gyve(s), ball and chain, manacle(s), handcuff(s), restraint(s), bond(s), trammel(s), Colloq cuff(s), Slang bracelet(s), Brit darbies When those shackles went round his ankles, he thought he'd never see them taken off 2 Usually, shackles. restriction, restraint, deterrent, impediment, check, obstacle, obstruction, barrier, hindrance, bar, encumbrance When shall we throw off the shackles of ignorant prejudice and see a truly free world?
v. 3 chain, fetter, manacle, handcuff, bind, restrain, tie, secure, truss, pinion, tether He was shackled to the mast and whipped for disobedience In this glorious spring weather I resent being shackled to a desk. 4 restrain, hold back, check, deter, hinder, discourage, hobble, handicap, restrict, curb, rein, bridle, control, fetter, inhibit, limit Freedom of expression has been shackled during all those years of oppression