CEFR B1

shackle

noun, verb

Meaning

A metal link, ring, or chain used to fasten a prisoner's wrists or ankles together, or to secure them to a wall or other object.

Examples

The guards fastened the shackles around the escaped convict's wrists.
He felt the cold metal of the shackles on his ankles.

Synonyms: restraint, fetter, manacle

Learn English that separates you from the crowd with Anaversity: private classes, Ani practice, Campus tools, and a public English-learning community.

shackle (B1)

noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈʃækəl/

Definition

A metal link, ring, or chain used to fasten a prisoner's wrists or ankles together, or to secure them to a wall or other object.

Examples

The guards fastened the shackles around the escaped convict's wrists.
He felt the cold metal of the shackles on his ankles.
The historical exhibit displayed ancient shackles used for punishment.

How to Use shackle

shackle someone/something (verb): To physically restrain someone or something with shackles. — "The guards quickly shackled the unruly prisoner."
shackle someone/something to something (verb): To fasten someone or something to a fixed object using shackles. — "They had to shackle the prisoner to the radiator."
shackles of [noun] (noun phrase): Figurative restrictions or limitations imposed by something. — "He wanted to escape the shackles of poverty."

Synonyms of shackle

Words with a similar meaning to shackle:

Antonyms of shackle

Words with the opposite meaning to shackle:

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary