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fetter
[ fet-er ]
/ ˈfɛt ər /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a chain or shackle placed on the feet.
Usually fetters. anything that confines or restrains: Boredom puts fetters upon the imagination.
verb (used with object)
to put fetters upon.
to confine; restrain.
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Origin of fetter
before 900; Middle English, Old English feter; cognate with Old High German fezzera,Old Norse fjǫturr; akin to foot
OTHER WORDS FROM fetter
fet·ter·er, nounfet·ter·less, adjectiveWords nearby fetter
fetor ex ore, fetor hepaticus, fetoscope, fetoscopy, fetotoxicity, fetter, fetter bone, fetterbush, fetterlock, fettle, fettler
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use fetter in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for fetter
fetter
/ (ˈfɛtə) /
noun
(often plural) a chain or bond fastened round the ankle; shackle
(usually plural) a check or restraintin fetters
verb (tr)
to restrict or confine
to bind in fetters
Derived forms of fetter
fetterer, nounfetterless, adjectiveWord Origin for fetter
Old English fetor; related to Old Norse fjöturr fetter, Old High German fezzera, Latin pedica fetter, impedīre to hinder
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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