unfetters
Strikes off shackles
Unfetters means to release from restraints or restrictions, whether literal or figurative.
The word derives from fetters, the shackles or chains once used to bind prisoners' ankles.
When someone unfetters a person or thing, they set it free to move or act without hindrance.
The court ruling unfetters companies from previous regulatory constraints.
The term appears most often in discussions of liberation from bureaucratic, legal, or psychological bonds rather than physical ones.
Removes from captivity
- liberatesSets free from captivity
- releasesLets go or publishes
- emancipatesReleases from control
- unshacklesRemoves restraining devices
unchains · unbinds · manumits · enfranchises · delivers · rescues · extricates · redeems
Frees from bonds
- loosensDecreases tightness or tension
- detachesRemoves from connection
- unlocksDisengages a fastening
- unclaspsOpens a closure
unstraps · unbolts · uncuffs · unties · unfastens · disengages · unhitches · unlatches
Reduces severity of
- easesReduces severity or difficulty
- lightensMakes less burdensome
- soothesGently relieves distress
- comfortsEases distress; pleasures
unburdening · releases · relaxes · calms · assuages · mitigates · palliates · relieves
Grants ability or authority
- enablesMakes something possible
- equipsSupplies with gear
- facilitatesMakes more possible
- authorizesOfficially allows something
permits · strengthens · activates · mobilizes · unleashes · galvanizes · energizes · emboldens
frees
Removes from captivity
- liberatesSets free from captivity
- releasesLets go or publishes
- emancipatesReleases from control
unshackles · unchains · unbinds · manumits · enfranchises · delivers · rescues · extricates · redeems · unburdens
unbinds
Frees from bonds
unclasps · unstraps · unbolts · uncuffs · unties · unfastens · disengages · unhitches · unlatches · unpins
alleviates
Reduces severity of
comforts · unburdening · releases · relaxes · calms · assuages · mitigates · palliates · relieves · lessens
empowers
Grants ability or authority
- enablesMakes something possible
- equipsSupplies with gear
- facilitatesMakes more possible
authorizes · permits · strengthens · activates · mobilizes · unleashes · galvanizes · energizes · emboldens · encourages