I. shack ‧ le 1 /ˈʃæk ə l/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1 . the shackles of something literary the limits put on your freedom and happiness by something, especially a particular form of government – used to show disapproval:
They finally managed to throw off the shackles of communism.
2 . one of a pair of metal rings joined by a chain that are used for fastening together a prisoner’s hands or feet, so that they cannot move easily or escape
⇨ ↑ handcuffs
II. shackle 2 BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Language: Old English ; Origin: sceacul (singular) ]
1 . to put many limits on what someone can do – used to show disapproval:
Industrial progress is being shackled by a mass of regulations.
2 . to put shackles on someone SYN chain :
He was blindfolded and shackled to a radiator.