Fettering: meaning, definitions and examples

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fettering

 

[ ˈfɛtərɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physical restraint

To fetter means to restrain or limit someone's freedom or movement. It is often associated with the use of chains or shackles to physically bind a person. However, it can also refer to metaphorical restraints, such as rules or obligations that confine or restrict one's actions. The term is commonly used in both legal and literary contexts to describe situations where an individual's ability to act freely is hindered.

Synonyms

bind, chain, restrain, shackle

Examples of usage

  • The prisoner was fettered by heavy chains.
  • She felt fettered by the strict rules of her job.
  • The laws fettering citizens' rights were challenged in court.

Translations

Translations of the word "fettering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 restrição

🇮🇳 बंधन

🇩🇪 Fesselung

🇮🇩 pembatasan

🇺🇦 обмеження

🇵🇱 ograniczenie

🇯🇵 束縛

🇫🇷 restriction

🇪🇸 restricción

🇹🇷 kısıtlama

🇰🇷 제한

🇸🇦 قيود

🇨🇿 omezení

🇸🇰 obmedzenie

🇨🇳 限制

🇸🇮 omejitev

🇮🇸 takmörkun

🇰🇿 шектеу

🇬🇪 შეზღუდვა

🇦🇿 məhdudiyyət

🇲🇽 restricción

Etymology

The word 'fetter' originates from Middle English 'fether', which referred to a chain or shackle typically used on the feet. This term evolved from the Old English 'fǣt' meaning 'foot', which highlights the word’s connection to physical restraint. Furthermore, its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic term 'fētō', which also refers to the foot. Over time, 'fetter' has not only maintained its literal meaning related to physical confinement but has also taken on a metaphorical sense, describing limitations imposed on freedom, creativity, or action. The transition into figurative language can be seen in various literary works where authors utilize the term to emphasize oppression or restriction in a broader context.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,059, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.