1
: something (such as a manacle or fetter) that confines the legs or arms
2
: something that checks or prevents free action as if by fetters
—usually used in plural
3
: a usually U-shaped fastening device secured by a bolt or pin through holes in the end of the two arms
4
: a length of cable or anchor chain of usually 15 fathoms
shackled; shackling
ˈsha-k(ə-)liŋ 
2
: to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or handicaps : impede
Examples of shackle in a Sentence
Noun
placed shackles on the legs of the prisoners
the shackles of illiteracy can be just as confining as leg irons
Verb
The guard shackled the prisoner.
unwilling to shackle the dogs to the wall of the house
Recent Examples on the Web
Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
For independents, knowledge and integrity are keys that unlock the shackles of party dogma.
—John H Bolthouse, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Donna appeared in the Tallahassee courtroom on Monday, shackled in a purple jumpsuit.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
On Friday, exactly one month after Kirk was assassinated, Robinson requested permission to wear civilian clothes in court and to appear without shackles and cuffs.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
For independents, knowledge and integrity are keys that unlock the shackles of party dogma.
—John H Bolthouse, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
Last month, immigration authorities raided a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, detained 300 South Korean workers and showed video of some of them shackled in chains.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Donna appeared in the Tallahassee courtroom on Monday, shackled in a purple jumpsuit.
—Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shackle
Cite this Entry
“Shackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shackle. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shackle
1 of 2 noun
shack·le
ˈshak-əl
1
: a ring or band that prevents free use of the legs or arms
2
: something that prevents free action
—usually used in plural
3
: a U-shaped metal device for joining or fastening something
shackle
2 of 2 verb
shackled; shackling
ˈshak-(ə-)liŋ
1
a
: to bind with shackles
the guard shackled the prisoner
b
: to make fast with a shackle
2
: to deprive of freedom of action : hinder
shackled by poverty
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share