The Oxford Thesaurus An A-Z Dictionary of Synonyms - shackle n.

1) Often, shackles. fetter(s) , leg-iron(s) , chains, iron(s) , bilboes, gyve(s) , ball and chain, manacle(s) , handcuff(s) , restraint(s) , bond(s) , trammel(s) , Colloq cuff(s) , Slang bracelet(s) , Brit darbies: When those shackles went round his ankles, he thought he'd never see them taken off. 2) Usually, shackles. restriction, restraint, deterrent, impediment, check, obstacle, obstruction, barrier, hindrance, bar, encumbrance: When shall we throw off the shackles of ignorant prejudice and see a truly free world? --v. 3) chain, fetter, manacle, handcuff, bind, restrain, tie, secure, truss, pinion, tether: He was shackled to the mast and whipped for disobedience. In this glorious spring weather I resent being shackled to a desk. 4) restrain, hold back, check, deter, hinder, discourage, hobble, handicap, restrict, curb, rein, bridle, control, fetter, inhibit, limit: Freedom of expression has been shackled during all those years of oppression.