unfettered

British  

/ ʌnˈfɛtəd /

adjective

1. released from physical or mental bonds; unrestrained

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Explanation

The adjective unfettered describes something or someone uninhibited and unrestrained. If you write mysteries novels for a living you probably turn your unfettered imagination to murder and mayhem. Unfettered comes from the Old English root word fetor, which was a chain or shackle for the feet. Un- means "not," so originally the word literally meant "not chained or shackled." Today there isn't much real shackling going on, so the adjective unfettered mainly describes something that is free or unrestrained. You'll see such uses as unfettered emotions, unfettered stock market growth, and unfettered speech.

Example Sentences

Now, under the blackout, only a select few officials and other individuals, including journalists working for state media, have unfettered internet access using what are known as "white sim cards".

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Whether on foreign or domestic policy, lawmakers have struggled to respond to an administration that moves with unfettered restraint and exceptional speed.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

China in 2015 updated its national-security law to include defending national interests in polar regions, seeking unfettered access to new sea lanes and resources, said Ryan Martinson, an associate professor at the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

The Mercosur deal presents a more classic dilemma: Beleaguered manufacturers in Germany and across Northern Europe would gain unfettered access to nearly 300 million new consumers in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

From Barron's • Dec. 30, 2025

With their unfettered necks and easy smiles, they looked so confident and happy.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu