shackle
Prisoner's ankle band
A shackle is a metal restraint, typically a pair of rings connected by a chain, used to bind a prisoner's wrists or ankles.
The word extends to any device that fastens or secures, like the U-shaped fitting used in rigging and lifting.
Figuratively, shackles are whatever constrains freedom or progress: the shackles of poverty, shackled by outdated regulations.
To shackle someone is to restrain them physically or limit them in some other way.
Linked metal restraints
- fetterAnkle chain for prisoners
- handcuffLocking wrist restraint
- cuffsSleeve or wrist bands
- ironsRestraints or golf clubs
ankle monitor · ball and chain · hobble · bind · trammel · yoke · leg iron · restraints
Forced human ownership
- servitudeCompulsory labor under masters
- subjugationForcing into submission
- bondageInvoluntary subjugation to another
- captivityState of being confined
imprisonment · confinement · incarceration · chains · yoke · oppression · tyranny · slavery
U-shaped connector with pin
- pinPointed metal fastener
- boltThreaded rod for nuts
- swivelRotating connection point
- couplingJoint between systems
D-ring · U-bolt · anchor · rigging · towing · hitch · lifting · mooring
Something blocking the way
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- encumbranceHindrance or legal claim
- limitationBound on extent
burden · handicap · obstruction · constraint · restriction · inhibition · deterrent · hurdle
chains
Linked metal restraints
irons · ankle monitor · ball and chain · hobble · bind · trammel · yoke · leg iron · restraints · cuffed
enslavement
Forced human ownership
- servitudeCompulsory labor under masters
- subjugationForcing into submission
- bondageInvoluntary subjugation to another
captivity · imprisonment · confinement · incarceration · chains · yoke · oppression · tyranny · slavery · forced labor
clevis
U-shaped connector with pin
coupling · D-ring · U-bolt · anchor · rigging · towing · hitch · lifting · mooring · connector
obstacle
Something blocking the way
- impedimentThing that obstructs progress
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- encumbranceHindrance or legal claim
limitation · burden · handicap · obstruction · constraint · restriction · inhibition · deterrent · hurdle · disadvantage
- iron shackles
- slave shacklesRestraints binding enslaved people
shackles, unshackle, unshackled, shackled, shackling, unshackling