Unfettered

/ʌnˈfɛtərd/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Not bound by shackles or restrictions; free.
She felt unfettered by societal expectations and followed her own path.
Free to act as one wishes; unrestricted.
The artist's imagination was unfettered, allowing her to create without limitations.
Unrestricted or unrestrained in one's actions or thoughts.
His unfettered enthusiasm for the project inspired the entire team.

Etymology

The word 'unfettered' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' combined with 'fettered', the past participle of 'fetter', which means 'to confine or restrain'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

unfettered access
Access that is free and unrestricted.
live unfettered
To live without any constraints or limits.
unfettered growth
Growth that happens freely without limitations.

Related Words

fetter
A chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles.
liberate
To set someone free from a situation, especially imprisonment or oppression.

Slang Meanings

Going rogue
After getting unfettered, she started going rogue and doing whatever she wanted.
Breaking free
His unfettered lifestyle felt like breaking free from all societal norms.