The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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shackle

verb

/ˈʃækəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of shackle

To restrain, confine, or bind someone or something, typically using a physical device such as chains or handcuffs.
"The handcuffs were used to shackle the suspect during the arrest."

Detailed meaning of shackle

The act of shackling is often used in the context of imprisonment, captivity, or as a form of punishment. Shackling can also refer to the act of holding back or limiting someone's potential, opportunities, or freedom. This can be done through laws, policies, or social norms that restrict individual rights and freedoms. The use of the term "shackle" suggests a sense of confinement, oppression, and loss of agency or control. Overall, the verb "shackle" implies a sense of restriction and limitation, either physical or metaphorical.

Example sentences containing shackle

1. The police had no choice but to shackle the suspect's hands, fearing escape.
2. The weight of the iron chains was unbearable as they shackled his ankles.
3. They decided to shackle the prisoner securely to prevent any chance of fleeing.
4. Discriminatory laws used to shackle the civil rights movement's progress.
5. Don't allow fear to shackle your ambitions and hinder personal growth.
6. Prejudice and bias can shackle social progress and equality.

History and etymology of shackle

The verb 'shackle' has its origins in Old English and Old Norse. It is believed to have been influenced by the Old Norse word 'skokill,' which means a 'pole' or 'bar,' used for confinement or restraint. In Old English, it evolved from 'sceacan,' which meant 'to shake' or 'to move quickly.' Over time, the term 'shackle' took on the meaning of confining or restraining by using physical devices such as chains or handcuffs. The etymology of 'shackle' reflects the notion of constriction and limitation, as if one's movements are 'shaken' or restricted by these restraining devices, aligning with its modern usage in contexts involving physical or metaphorical restraint.

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Further usage examples of shackle

1. Overcoming poverty can shackle even the brightest minds' potential.
2. Addiction can shackle individuals for years, making recovery challenging.
3. The burden of debt can shackle a person's financial stability for decades.
4. Fear can shackle us from pursuing our dreams and reaching our goals.
5. Ignorance can shackle the pursuit of knowledge, hindering intellectual growth.
6. Superstitions can shackle the mind, leading to irrational beliefs and behaviors.
7. Overthinking can shackle decision-making, causing anxiety and indecision.
8. The fear of failure can shackle creativity, stifling innovation and progress.
9. Outdated beliefs can shackle cultural evolution, impeding societal change.The oppressive regime sought to shackle the freedom of speech.
10. The old traditions continued to shackle the progress of the community.
11. Fear should not shackle us from pursuing our dreams.
12. The weight of expectations can shackle one's creativity.
13. The chains of past mistakes can shackle one's ability to move forward.
14. Society's judgments should not shackle one's personal choices.
15. It is important to shackle our negative thoughts and focus on the positive.
16. The oppressive laws aimed to shackle the rights of marginalized groups.
17. The weight of responsibilities can shackle one's sense of freedom.
18. The addiction continued to shackle him, despite his desire to break free.
19. It is essential to shackle the greed that leads to unethical behavior.
20. The restrictive regulations served to shackle innovation and progress.
21. The artist refused to let conventional techniques shackle her creativity.
22. The fear of failure can shackle one's willingness to take risks.
23. It is necessary to shackle the power of corruption in order to achieve justice.
24. The outdated beliefs shackle society's ability to embrace diversity.