The definition of a shackle is a literal or figurative restraint that keeps you in place or prevents you from doing what you want. The chains that bind a prisoner's hands to his ankles are an example of a shackle. If you believe you can't achieve your dreams, this belief is an example of a shackle.

What does shackle mean?

One shackle is 15 fathoms, aka 90 feet. Universally used throughout the world. And for all practical purposes a cable, i.e. one tenth of a sea mile, is 200 fathoms, and guess how long a standard coil of rope is!

What could be the closest meaning of shackles?

Some common synonyms of shackle are clog, fetter, hamper, manacle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom. a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice. a people manacled by tyranny.