verb
- putting chains or shackles on someone; restraining or confining physically
- restricting or limiting someone's freedom, ability, or progress
Usage: figurative
noun
- the act of putting chains on someone or restricting their freedom
Examples
- The prisoner was fettering under heavy chains in the dungeon.
- Outdated laws are fettering innovation in the tech industry.
- She felt fettering restrictions on her personal choices.
- The fettering of free speech is a serious concern in any democracy.
- Excessive regulations are fettering small business growth.
- He refused to accept the fettering constraints of tradition.