nounπShare(usually in the plural) A restraint fit over a human or animal appendage, such as a wrist, ankle or finger; normally used in pairs joined by a chain."The prisoner lay in shackles in his gloomy cell."bodypolicelawiteminhumanChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA U-shaped piece of metal secured with a pin or bolt across the opening, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release locking pin mechanism."The thief was caught with the metal shackle still attached to his wrist. "itemnauticaltechnicalmachinedeviceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShare(usually in the plural) A restraint on one's action, activity, or progress."Bureaucracy and excessive paperwork can be shackles on a teacher's ability to effectively help their students. "actionsocietylawgovernmentpoliceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA fetter-like band worn as an ornament."She wore a delicate silver shackle around her ankle, a fashionable piece meant to resemble a bracelet, not a restraint. "appearancewearstyleChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA link for connecting railroad cars; a drawlink or draglink."The train engineer carefully adjusted the shackle to connect the last two freight cars. "vehiclemachinepartChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA length of cable or chain equal to 12 1/2 fathoms or 75 feet, or later to 15 fathoms."The anchor chain had several shackles in it, each about 75 feet long, allowing the ship to anchor in deeper water. "nauticalsailingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareStubble."The farmer's field was covered in a thick shackle of dried stalks. "appearancebodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo restrain using shackles; to place in shackles."The police had to shackle the suspect's hands before putting him in the car. "lawpoliceactiongovernmentrightChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(by extension) To render immobile or incapable; to inhibit the progress or abilities of."This law would effectively shackle its opposition."abilityactionconditionmindChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo shake, rattle."The old, dusty box rattled and shackled as I moved it across the room. "actionsoundChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading