Definition

Adjective: - Bound by chains fastened around the ankles: Describes a person or animal that is physically restrained with shackles, which are metal rings connected by a chain, typically placed around the ankles to prevent free movement. It can also be used figuratively to describe a state of being severely restricted or constrained.

Usage

The adjective "shackled" is used to describe the condition of being fettered. It typically follows a linking verb (like was, were, felt, remained) or precedes a noun it modifies. - The prisoners were shackled during the long march. - They found the shackled captive in the dungeon. - She felt shackled by the oppressive rules of the tradition.

Examples

• Literal Use:
  • The escaped convict was quickly recaptured and returned to his cell, shackled and under guard.
  • Archaeologists discovered shackled skeletons, suggesting they were slaves.
• Figurative Use:
  • His creativity was shackled by the company's strict policies.
  • She refused to live a shackled life, bound by other people's expectations.

Advanced Usage

• "shackled to": Used to indicate a figurative constraint linking someone to an undesirable situation, person, or obligation.
  • He felt shackled to a job he hated because of his financial debts.
  • The nation's economy was shackled to outdated industrial models.

Variants and Related Words

• Shackle (noun): A metal fastening, usually one of a pair, for securing a person's ankles or wrists.
  • The blacksmith forged new iron shackles.
• Shackle (verb): To chain with shackles; to restrain.
  • The guards were ordered to shackle the dangerous prisoner.
• Unshackled (adjective): Freed from shackles; liberated.
  • The unshackled prisoners wept with relief.

Synonyms

• Chained: Fastened with a chain.
• Fettered: Bound with chains or shackles (often for the feet).
• Manacled: Bound with handcuffs or shackles (often for the wrists).
• Bound: Tied or fastened.

Antonyms

• Free: Not under the control or in the power of another.
• Unfettered: Released from restraint; unrestrained.
• Liberated: Set free.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Shackled by the past": Unable to progress or move forward because of past events, mistakes, or trauma.
  • To find true happiness, you must stop being shackled by the past.
• "Shackles of (something)": A metaphorical phrase describing something that severely restricts freedom.
  • They fought to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance.

Adjective

1. bound by chains fastened around the ankles