fetter

/ˈfɛtər/
noun
  1. A chain or shackle placed around a person's ankles to restrict movement.
    • The blacksmith forged a set of fetters for the captured outlaw.
    • The prisoner was led into the courtroom wearing iron fetters.
    • In ancient times, slaves were often kept in heavy fetters.
  2. Something that restricts or limits freedom, progress, or development.
    • The company struggled to break free from the fetters of bureaucracy.
    • She felt that fear was a fetter holding her back from pursuing her dreams.
    • The outdated laws acted as fetters on economic growth.
verb
  1. To restrain someone by putting chains or shackles on their ankles.
    • In the old prison, they would fetter inmates to the walls at night.
    • The guards fettered the captured soldiers to prevent escape.
    • The knight was fettered and thrown into the dungeon.
  2. To restrict or limit someone's freedom, progress, or actions.
    • Strict regulations can fetter innovation in the tech industry.
    • Her fear of failure fettered her from taking any risks.
    • The treaty fettered the nation's ability to expand its military.
Synonyms
What does "fetter" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean