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trammel

trammel

9.9
Something that limits a person's freedom or action
  • noun
  • /ˈtræməl/
  • Formal
translation icon : obstáculo
  • Many traditional beliefs act as a trammel on progress, preventing society from embracing new ideas.

Examples

  • Released from the trammels of alarm, Jan's tired brain wheeled and careened back to the blurry last image sent from the Moon.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • The strict rules of the club seemed like a trammel on creative expression, discouraging unique ideas.

  • Her job felt like a trammel that limited her potential, making it hard for her to pursue her dreams.

Synonyms

shackle
vstrammel
57 7.1

A metal U-shaped clamp used to join heavy things together

is an abstract restriction or obstacle rather than a physical device
restraint
vstrammel
44 3.9

A rule or measure that limits what people can do

is a broad impediment not limited to rules or measures
constraint
vstrammel
22 4.6

A thing that stops or controls movement to keep people and machines safe

is wider and includes abstract or situational limits
tramell
vstrammel
  • Archaic
9.9

Something that stops people from moving or acting freely

is the modern spelling used for the same restrictive meaning

Antonyms

1.0

The right to act, speak, or think as you want without being stopped

127 3.9

The act of setting people free from control or unfair treatment

Compounds

trammel net
  • Specialized
9.3

A fishing net with three layers that traps fish in the loose middle layer

How Restrictive

straitjacket
15 7.8
to shackle
35 6.2
trammel
  • Formal
9.9
restraint
73 4.7
limitation
167 3.3

Surface Forms

trammel singular
trammels plural

Etymology

The word trammel comes from an old name for a three-layer net, from parts like tre- and mail meaning 'three' and 'mesh'. So, a trammel as a restriction is anything that binds or limits action, much like a net that stops movement.