Beshackle

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To restrain someone or something by binding it with shackles, chains or fetters
2. To bind a person or animal tightly with metal restraints around the wrists, ankles or limbs
3. To fix iron fetters onto a prisoner or captive so that movement is limited

Etymology: "Beshackle" is a plain formation: the prefix "be-" added to "shackle," the verb for fastening someone's wrists or ankles with iron restraints. The prefix "be-" is an old English device that turns a verb into one meaning "to surround, cover, or affect thoroughly," as in "bespatter" or "beset," so "beshackle" means to fetter or chain someone up thoroughly, often hampering their movement with restraints.

Synonyms: shackle, fetter, manacle, chain, hobble

Antonyms: unshackle, free, unchain, release