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Definition of manacle

manacle

/ˈmæn.ə.kəl/
man · a · cle

Plural:manacles
•
Adjective:manacled
•
Past Simple:manacled
•
Past Participle:manacled
•
Present Participle:manacling
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manacle Lexical Profile

manacle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A metal band, chain, or shackle for fastening someone's hands or ankles.

Example

"The prisoner was led into the courtroom wearing heavy iron manacles on his wrists."


2

Anything that serves to constrain, restrain, or strictly limit freedom of action.

Example

"The bureaucratic regulations acted as manacles on the nation's economic growth."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To fasten someone's hands or ankles with metal chains or shackles.

Example

"The guards were ordered to manacle the rebel before transporting him to the coastal fortress."


2

To restrict or tightly confine someone's freedom, behavior, or action.

Example

"She refused to be manacled by the rigid conventions and expectations of her aristocratic upbringing."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for manacle

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'manacle', borrowed from Old French 'manicle', which derives from Latin 'manicula' (little hand, handle of a plough), a diminutive of 'manus' (hand).

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Manacle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/manacle
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