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Fettered: meaning, definitions and examples

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fettered

 

[ ˈfɛtərd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

physical restraint

Fettered refers to being restrained or shackled, often used in a context where someone is bound or hindered in movement. This term can also metaphorically describe someone who is limited in their ability to act freely, implying a restriction on personal freedom or agency. It evokes imagery of chains or bonds that prevent movement, whether they are literal or figurative.

Synonyms

bound, constrained, hindered, restricted, shackled

Examples of usage

  • The prisoners were fettered and unable to escape.
  • Her creativity felt fettered by the rigid guidelines.
  • He lived a fettered life, bound by societal expectations.

Translations

Translations of the word "fettered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prisioneiro

🇮🇳 बंदिश में

🇩🇪 gefesselt

🇮🇩 terbelenggu

🇺🇦 пригнічений

🇵🇱 ograniczony

🇯🇵 拘束された

🇫🇷 enchaîné

🇪🇸 encadenado

🇹🇷 bağlı

🇰🇷 구속된

🇸🇦 مقيد

🇨🇿 omezený

🇸🇰 obmedzený

🇨🇳 被束缚的

🇸🇮 omejen

🇮🇸 bundinn

🇰🇿 шектелген

🇬🇪 შეზღუდული

🇦🇿 məhdud

🇲🇽 atado

Etymology

The word 'fettered' comes from the Middle English word 'fetteren', which is derived from the Old French term 'fetre' and further back to the Proto-Germanic 'fetrō' meaning 'to bind'. Historically, fetters referred to the leg irons or restraints used on prisoners to prevent escape, symbolizing captivity. Over time, its usage broadened to encompass figurative meanings, describing any restrictions that limit freedom or action, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. The word reflects the structure of bonds that can be seen not only in physical contexts but also in social or emotional situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,487, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.