Pronunciation: /ˈfɛtər/

Definitions of fetter

noun a chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles

Example Sentences

A1 The prisoner's ankles were bound by metal fetters.

A2 The fetters on the gate were rusty and difficult to open.

B1 The oppressive government sought to fetter the freedom of the press.

B2 She felt like the expectations of society were fetters holding her back.

C1 The artist refused to let anyone fetter his creativity with rules or restrictions.

C2 The company's success was fettered by outdated management practices.

verb to restrain with chains or manacles

Example Sentences

A1 The chains fettered the prisoner's wrists.

A2 She felt fettered by her responsibilities at work.

B1 The strict rules fettered his creativity and innovation.

B2 The company's outdated policies fettered its ability to adapt to market changes.

C1 The government's censorship laws fetter freedom of speech.

C2 The oppressive regime fetters the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

Examples of fetter in a Sentence

formal The legal system can be seen as a fetter on personal freedom.

informal Don't let your fears fetter you from pursuing your dreams.

slang I feel like my job is a real fetter sometimes.

figurative Negative thoughts can be a fetter on your mental well-being.

Grammatical Forms of fetter

past tense

fettered

plural

fetters

comparative

more fettered

superlative

most fettered

present tense

fetters

future tense

will fetter

perfect tense

have fettered

continuous tense

is fettering

singular

fetter

positive degree

fetter

infinitive

to fetter

gerund

fettering

participle

fettered

Origin and Evolution of fetter

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'fetter' originated from Old English 'feter' which was derived from Proto-Germanic 'fetero'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to a chain or shackle used to bind someone's feet, the meaning of 'fetter' has evolved to encompass any type of restraint or restriction.