Fetter

/ˈfɛtər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a chain or manacle used to restrain someone’s feet.

The soldiers removed the fetters from the captive’s ankles.

a limitation or restriction on someone or something.

The government’s regulations acted as a fetter on innovation in the technology sector.

verb

to restrain with chains or manacles; to bind.

The prisoner was fettered by heavy chains to prevent escape.

to restrict or restrain someone in a way that limits their freedom.

Her responsibilities at work fettered her ability to pursue her studies.

Middle English 'fettren', from Old French 'fettre', from Latin 'fetter' (to bind).

fetter someone’s creativity:

To limit someone's ability to think freely.

fettered by circumstances:

Restricted by the current situation.

To be tied down or restricted in life choices.

After getting married, he felt fettered by his new responsibilities.

To have one's hands tied in a situation.

The bureaucratic process fettered her ability to help her community.