shackle Hear it!

shackle Definition

shackle (s̸hakəl)

noun

  1. a metal fastening, usually one of a linked pair, for the wrist or ankle of a prisoner; fetter; manacle
  2. anything that restrains freedom of expression or action the shackles of ignorance
  3. any of several devices used in fastening or coupling

Etymology: ME schakel < OE sceacel, akin to MDu schakel, chain link < ? IE base *(s)kenk-, to gird, bind

transitive verb -·led, -·ling

  1. to put shackles on; fetter
  2. to fasten or connect with a shackle or shackles
  3. to restrain in freedom of expression or action

shackle Related Forms
shack·ler noun
shackle Synonyms

shackle

n.

shackle Synonyms

shackle

v.

shackle Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • attach: Around the middle of each sow was a broad collar with an attached shackle, securing her to the ground.
  • remove: These two freedoms single-handedly removed the shackles from international trade.
  • break: Only when you break the shackles of illusion can you experience the reality.
  • have: Indeed the solo efforts that followed seemed to convey a joy at having the collective shackle removed.

Adjective modifier

  • snap: Rig uses single 8mm sheets with plastic snap shackles.

Modifies a noun

  • padlock: Lock them away by using a good quality close shackle padlock.
  • pin: New brake linings and shackle pins are also awaited.
  • lock: Many cheap shackle locks can be broken with one blow of a brick or hammer.

Modifying Another Word

  • together: The pellet wire is shackled to the pellet or drum and the dan and picking-up wires shackled together are also shackled to the drum.
  • still: Days pass, and after several failed attempts, he succeeds in freeing himself and heads for safety, shackles still attached.
  • not: Additionally, they would not shackle a Roman citizen.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • up: They'd be kicking and rolling about - exactly how you would be if you were shackled up.

Preposition: of

  • religion: Throwing off the shackles of religion hadn't removed the crippling chains of shyness.
  • debt: The extra few pounds is certainly worth it to remove the shackles of debt five years earlier.
  • work: It is a time when people can usually put aside the shackles of work and family commitments and seize opportunities that time previously prohibited.

Noun used with modifier

  • screw: Screw pin shackles are used mainly for non permanent applications.
  • pin: Screw pin shackles are used mainly for non permanent applications.
  • steel: The original uphaul downhaul tackle The large steel shackle attached to the arm of the centreplate has become very rusty.
  • safety: Now I have to go back up the pole to undo a safety shackle!
  • bow: The big eye acts as a Kelly's eye and traps the bow shackle when the dan wire is fully paid out.

Browse dictionary entries near shackle

  1. shack
  2. Shache
  3. Shabuoth
  4. shabby-genteel
  5. shabby
  6. Shabbat
  7. Shaanxi
  8. sha
  9. sh
  10. Sgt Maj
  1. Shackleton
  2. shad
  3. Shad-Johnson Agreement
  4. shadberry
  5. shadbush
  6. shaddock
  7. shade
  8. shadily
  9. shadiness
  10. shading