verb
shackle
SHAKL
Shackle (verb) means to restrain someone with chains or metal restraints. Example: “The prisoner was shackled at the wrists and ankles.”
verb
1
To restrain someone with chains or metal restraints.
"The prisoner was shackled at the wrists and ankles."
2
To restrict or hold back someone's freedom or progress.
"Heavy debt shackled the young couple for years."
How to use shackle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo physically restrain with chains, or figuratively to hold something back from progress.
Common pairings
shackled by debt
shackle a prisoner
shackled ankles
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Word forms
- Plural
- shackles
- Third person singular
- shackles
- Past tense
- shackled
- Archaic forms
- shacklest, shackledst, shackleth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The prisoner was _____ at the wrists and ankles.
Etymology
From Middle English schakelen, related to the noun shackle, meaning a metal ring or link used as a restraint.
Related words
Rhymes for shackle
See all rhymes for shackle →Frequently asked questions
What does “shackle” mean?
The word “shackle” means to restrain someone with chains or metal restraints. In plain terms, to physically restrain with chains, or figuratively to hold something back from progress.
How do you pronounce “shackle”?
“Shackle” is pronounced SHAKL (/ˈʃæk(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “shackle” in a sentence?
Here is “shackle” used in a sentence: “The prisoner was shackled at the wrists and ankles.”
What part of speech is “shackle”?
“Shackle” is a verb.
Where does the word “shackle” come from?
The word “shackle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English schakelen, related to the noun shackle, meaning a metal ring or link used as a restraint.
How many meanings does “shackle” have?
“Shackle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to restrain someone with chains or metal restraints.
