<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>A ring or other fastening, as of iron, for securing the wrist, ankle, etc.; fetter.</li><li>Synonyms: gyve, handcuff, manacle, chain.</li><li>A hobble or fetter for a horse or other animal.</li><li>The U-shaped bar of a padlock, one end of which is pivoted or sliding, the other end of which can be released, as for passing through a staple, and then fastened, as for securing a hasp.</li><li>Any of various fastening or coupling devices.</li><li>Often shackles.</li><li>Anything that serves to prevent freedom of procedure, thought, etc.</li><li>Synonyms: encumbrance, impediment, obstruction, obstacle.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to put a shackle or shackles on; confine or restrain by a shackle or shackles.</li><li>Synonyms: fetter, restrict, hobble, handcuff, chain.</li><li>Antonyms: free, liberate.</li><li>To fasten or couple with a shackle.</li><li>To restrain in action, thought, etc., as by restrictions; restrict the freedom of.</li><li>Synonyms: dull, stultify, slow, impede, trammel.</li><li>Antonyms: free, liberate.</li></ul>