enfetter

A prisoner is enfettered by heavy iron chains.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To bind with fetters: "enfetter" means to put into chains or shackles, literally restraining someone's movement by attaching fetters.
   • To enslave or restrict: Figuratively, "enfetter" means to confine, restrain, or subject someone to control or domination, as if in bondage.

Usage Examples

• Literal:
  • The prison guards would enfetter the captured rebels to prevent escape. (They physically chained the rebels.)
• Figurative:
  • The dictator sought to enfetter the press, silencing all dissent. (He tried to restrict and control the media.)
  • Her fear of failure began to enfetter her ambitions, keeping her from taking risks. (Her fear confined her goals.)

Advanced Usage

• "to enfetter oneself": to willingly submit to restrictions or limitations.
  • By accepting the unfair contract, he enfettered himself to the company's demands. (He bound himself to their control.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fetter (n/v): a chain or shackle for the feet; to restrain with such a device.
  • The prisoner's fetters were made of iron. (The chains used to bind him.)
• Enfetterment (n): the state or act of being bound or restricted.
  • The enfetterment of the workers was a result of harsh labor laws. (Their restriction was enforced.)

Synonyms

• Shackle: to confine with a chain or restraint.
• Manacle: to handcuff or restrict hand movement.
• Enchain: to bind with chains.
• Subjugate: to bring under domination or control.

Related Idioms

• "Cast into fetters": to imprison or heavily restrict.
  • The new regulations cast the industry into fetters. (The industry was heavily restricted.)

Phrasal Verbs