A fetter is a shackle or chain that is attached to someone's ankles. To fetter someone is to restrict their movement, either literally or metaphorically. You might feel fettered by your parents' rules, even without the chains. A fetter is anything that secures and limits the movement of the feet and legs of a prisoner.

What do fetters look like?

Traditionally, fetters were made of metal and wrapped around the lower leg or foot as a form of imprisonment - think of prisoners in movies and books who are bound with heavy manacles on the ankles (and sometimes wrists). ... Nowadays, the meaning of fetter can include anything that holds you back or limits your freedom.

Which of these words means the same as fetter?

Some common synonyms of fetter are clog, hamper, manacle, shackle, and trammel.