a pair of metal rings joined by a chain, used to fasten a prisoner's wrists or ankles together, a restraint that prevents free movement, to restrain or limit freedom of action or thought

throw off the shackles, shackles of poverty, shackles of tradition

Formal and Informal Expressions of shackle

In different contexts, you can replace 'shackle' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'restraint, constraint' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'chains, cuffs' is a commonplace synonym.

shackle: Explore its Definition & Usage

shackle Definition

1a pair of metal rings joined by a chain, used to fasten a prisoner's wrists or ankles together
2a restraint that prevents free movement
3to restrain or limit freedom of action or thought

Using shackle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shackle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The prisoner was led away in shackles.
Example
The company is trying to break the shackles of bureaucracy.
Example
The team was shackled by their opponent's defense.
Example
She felt shackled by her responsibilities.

shackle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shackle

Antonyms for shackle

Phrases with shackle

throw off the shackles
to free oneself from constraints or limitations
Example
He threw off the shackles of his mundane job and pursued his passion for music.
shackles of poverty
the constraints and limitations imposed by being poor
Example
Many people are born into the shackles of poverty, with limited access to education and opportunities.
shackles of tradition
the constraints and limitations imposed by following traditional customs or beliefs
Example
She wanted to break free from the shackles of tradition and pursue a non-traditional career path.

Origins of shackle

from Old English 'sceacel', meaning 'shackle'

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Summary: shackle in Brief

The term 'shackle' [ˈʃækəl] refers to a restraint that prevents free movement, such as a pair of metal rings joined by a chain used to fasten a prisoner's wrists or ankles together. It can also be used figuratively to describe limitations on freedom of action or thought, as in 'The company is trying to break the shackles of bureaucracy.' Phrases like 'throw off the shackles' and 'shackles of poverty' further illustrate the concept of breaking free from constraints.