untrammeled
Americanadjective
-
without restraint or impediment; unhindered.
The sermon called out reckless and untrammeled greed as the most serious spiritual problem in the country.
-
not developed; untouched.
Whether in urban pocket parks or distant untrammeled wilderness, being active outdoors restores and recharges us.
Etymology
Origin of untrammeled
un- 1 ( def. ) + trammeled
Explanation
Something that's untrammeled is completely free and unrestricted. If you live a truly untrammeled life, you feel free to follow your dreams. As opposed to a lion in a zoo, a wild animal is untrammeled, or free to roam. You could also describe a dictator's power as untrammeled, in a much less positive sense — he is free to make any laws he wants, and to treat his subjects however he chooses. Untrammeled comes from trammel, or "restriction," which also refers to a particular kind of fishing net. The root is Late Latin, tremaculum, "net made of three layers."
Vocabulary lists containing untrammeled
To Kill a Mockingbird
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Lady, or the Tiger?" by Frank R. Stockton
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Heart of Darkness
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Untrammeled dishonesty is all fun and games until it comes for you.
From Slate • Oct. 11, 2024
Untrammeled by conventional mores, Mr. Haldane was named corespondent in a London divorce action in 1925.
From Time Magazine Archive
Untrammeled by theory, many a U.S. corporation has already put the efficiency of programed learning to work in job training and company-sponsored adult-education courses.
From Time Magazine Archive
The daytime talk shows would be rated PE for Pathetic Exploitation; the shopping channel would carry a UA for Untrammeled Acquisitiveness; and most sitcoms would be rated MT for Mindless Trash.
From Time Magazine Archive
No condemnation then—all peace within, Untrammeled freedom from the love of sin; Oh! blessed freedom! nought can then control The heavenward flight and rapture of the soul.
From Poems With a Sketch of the Life and Experience of Annie R. Smith by Smith, Rebekah
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
