fetter FET-er verb noun WS #18

to restrain with chains or shackles; to restrict or hamper the movement or progress of something

1. The prisoner's hands were fettered with iron chains during transport.
2. She refused to let fear fetter her dreams of traveling the world alone.
3. Bureaucratic red tape continues to fetter small business development.
4. Heavy regulations fetter the company's ability to innovate and compete.
5. The oppressive laws were designed to fetter the freedom of the press.

a chain or shackle placed around a prisoner's ankle; anything that restricts or restrains

1. The escaped prisoner still wore the iron fetter around his ankle.
2. Education is the key to breaking the fetter of poverty.
3. The rusted fetter had left permanent marks on the prisoner's leg.
4. The heavy fetter made it impossible for him to walk normally.
5. She felt that marriage would be a fetter on her independence.