shackle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a metal restraint for a wrist or ankle, usually one of a connected pair; figuratively, anything that severely restricts freedom

   For years, the debt felt like a shackle on the family's choices.

2. 2
   noun

   a U-shaped metal link closed by a pin or bolt and used to connect ropes, chains, or equipment

   A threaded pin secured the anchor chain to the shackle.

3. 3
   verb

   to fasten with shackles or to impose a severe restriction on someone or something

   The proposed rule could shackle small laboratories with unnecessary costs.

From Middle English shakel, from Old English sceacel ("fetter"), a Germanic noun. A proposed connection with shake is uncertain. The physical restraint gave rise to the figurative sense of anything that limits freedom or action.

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