First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1fetter
noun fet·ter \ˈfe-tər\
Definition of FETTER
1
: a chain or shackle for the feet
2
: something that confines : restraint
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Origin of FETTER
Middle English feter, from Old English; akin to Old English fōt foot
Related to FETTER
- Synonyms
- check, circumscription, condition, constraint, curb, restriction, limitation, restraint, stricture
2fetter
verb
: to prevent (someone or something) from moving or acting freely
: to put chains around someone's feet to prevent motion
Full Definition of FETTER
transitive verb
2
: to restrain from motion, action, or progress
See fetter defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FETTER
before 12th century
Related to FETTER
Synonym Discussion of FETTER
hamper, trammel, clog, fetter, shackle, manacle mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting. hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence <hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate>. trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net <rules that trammel the artist's creativity>. clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering <a court system clogged by frivolous suits>. fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost <a nation fettered by an antiquated class system>. shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom <a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice> <a people manacled by tyranny>.
FETTERS Defined for Kids
1fetter
noun fet·ter \ˈfe-tər\
2fetter
verb
fet·teredfet·ter·ing
Definition of FETTER for Kids
1
: to chain the feet of
2
: to keep from moving or acting freely <He was fettered by many responsibilities.>
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