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shackle

Syllabification: (shack·le)
Pronunciation: /ˈSHakəl/

Translate shackle | into German
Definition of shackle

noun

  • 1 (shackles) a pair of fetters connected together by a chain, used to fasten a prisoner’s wrists or ankles together.
  • used in reference to something that restrains or impedes:society is going to throw off the shackles of racism and colonialism
  • 2a metal link, typically U-shaped, closed by a bolt, used to secure a chain or rope to something.
  • a pivoted link connecting a spring in a vehicle’s suspension to the body of the vehicle.

verb

[with object]
  • chain with shackles.
  • restrain; limit:they seek to shackle the oil and gas companies by imposing new controls

Origin:

Old English sc(e)acul 'fetter', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch schakel 'link, coupling'

shackle in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of shackle in the British & World English dictionary

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