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shackle

[/ˈʃækəl/]
noun/verbpl: shackles
grilhão; corrente; algema
1. (noun) A metal fastening, typically consisting of two rings connected by a chain, for securing a prisoner's wrists or ankles
The prisoner was bound in shackles.
O prisioneiro estava acorrentado com grilhões.
2. (noun) A restraint or impediment that prevents freedom of movement or action
The rules were seen as shackles on innovation.
As regras eram vistas como entraves à inovação.
3. (verb) To put shackles on someone; to restrain or confine
They shackled the prisoners before transport.
Acorrentaram os prisioneiros antes do transporte.
4. (verb) To restrict or limit someone's freedom or actions
Fear shackled his ability to speak freely.
O medo limitava sua liberdade de expressão.
Synonyms
fetterchainbondrestraintimpedimentconstraint
Antonyms
freedomliberationreleaseemancipation

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
grilhão; corrente
Most common usage in Brazil
Portugal
grilheta; corrente
European Portuguese variant
General
algema
Used more for handcuffs specifically

Related Idioms & Phrases

break the shackles
cast off one's shackles
in shackles
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