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GRE vocabulary

fetter

verbHigh-frequency wordMore F words

to restrain or restrict freedom of movement or action

Word origin: From Old English feter, a chain for the feet.

In a sentence

Fetter in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing fetter in a sentence.

Excessive regulation can fetter the very innovation it aims to protect.

Overly rigid regulations can fetter the very innovation they were meant to encourage.

Synonyms
shacklehamperconstrain
Antonyms
freeliberaterelease
Usage & nuance

Using “fetter” well

As a verb, fetter means to restrain or hold back, drawing on the image of a chain on the ankle. It is often used figuratively of constraints on freedom or progress.

Common questions

Questions about “fetter

Fetter (verb) means to restrain or restrict freedom of movement or action
Here is fetter used in an example sentence: "Excessive regulation can fetter the very innovation it aims to protect." Another example: "Overly rigid regulations can fetter the very innovation they were meant to encourage."
Common synonyms for fetter include shackle, hamper, constrain.
Antonyms of fetter include free, liberate, release.
Clusters with shackle, hamper, and constrain in Sentence Equivalence. Its antonyms free, liberate, and release mark the contrast.
Yes. Fetter is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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