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fettered

  • past participle
    of fetter.
    fetter
    noun
    a chain or shackle placed on the feet.
  • past tense form
    of fetter.
    fetter
    noun
    a chain or shackle placed on the feet.

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.

See Examples For:

Both were fettered by entrenched social expectations, leaving little room for anyone who wanted to chart a different course.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 8, 2026

Despite efforts from the Valkyries and Odin’s ravens, this Viking action art piece is fettered to the ground by the demands of the studio gods.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 18, 2022

“With a bigger company, I can do more things and not be fettered by the small business mentality,” he said.

From New York Times ● Apr. 26, 2021

It’s a place I can go to stay motivated, stay on track, keep everything fettered and balanced in my life.

From Slate ● Aug. 19, 2020

No refuge between those black stalks, even if she weren’t fettered.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead