1
: something (such as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms
2
: something that checks or prevents free action as if by fetters
—usually used in plural
3
: a usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms
4
: a length of cable or anchor chain of usually 15 fathoms
shackled; shackling
ˈsha-k(ə-)liŋ 
2
: to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps : impede
Synonyms
Examples of shackle in a Sentence
Noun
placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners
the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons
Verb
The guard shackled the prisoner.
unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house
Recent Examples on the Web
Jerry Brewer, Washington Post, 9 July 2024
These resettable cable luggage locks are a best-seller for a reason: The easy-to-set three digit combination is enforced by a cable lock, which is stronger than normal lock shackles.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2024
Frank Holmes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Nearly a dozen federal agents were present for those hearings, in a courtroom that was packed with friends and relatives of the defendants, who all appeared in street clothes and shackled at the ankles.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shackle 
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Noun
The apron system applies taxes and shackles to fat-wallet franchises.
—Jerry Brewer, Washington Post, 9 July 2024
These resettable cable luggage locks are a best-seller for a reason: The easy-to-set three digit combination is enforced by a cable lock, which is stronger than normal lock shackles.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2024
Verb
Europe, by contrast, lags behind, shackled by red tape and an over-cautious approach to investing in new technologies.
—Frank Holmes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Nearly a dozen federal agents were present for those hearings, in a courtroom that was packed with friends and relatives of the defendants, who all appeared in street clothes and shackled at the ankles.
—Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shackle
Dictionary Entries Near shackle
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shackle. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shackle
1 of 2 noun
shack·le
ˈshak-əl
1
: a ring or band that prevents free use of the legs or arms
2
: something that prevents free action
—usually used in plural
3
: a U-shaped metal device for joining or fastening something
shackle
2 of 2 verb
shackled; shackling
ˈshak-(ə-)liŋ
1
a
: to bind with shackles
the guard shackled the prisoner
b
: to make fast with a shackle
2
: to deprive of freedom of action : hinder
shackled by poverty
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