unshackle
unshackle — verb
- unshacklepresent simple I / you / we / they
- unshackles3rd person singular
- unshackling-ing form
- unshackledpast simple
1. to remove physical restraints such as chains or handcuffs from someone; also use
to remove physical restraints such as chains or handcuffs from someone; also used figuratively to mean releasing a person, group, or institution from rules, limits, or conditions that prevent free action or development.
The prison guards unshackled Tamar before she was led into the courtroom.
literal meaning — physical chains or handcuffs
After the revolution, the country's press was unshackled from decades of government control.
figurative passive: be unshackled from [restriction]
Brooke's writing workshop helped her unshackle her creativity and explore new styles.
The new curriculum aims to unshackle students from outdated teaching methods.
Sofie watched the rescue team unshackle the injured climber from the twisted metal.
- free
the most general word; covers any kind of release from confinement or burden
- release
emphasises the act of letting go; can be used for both literal and figurative contexts
- liberate
more formal and often implies freeing a group or place from political or social oppression
- unfetter
literary or formal; very close in meaning to unshackle, referring to freedom from restraints
文法句型
unshackle + noun phrase (someone/something)
用法筆記
More common in figurative contexts than literal ones. The object is often an abstract noun such as creativity, imagination, or the economy, or a person or group described as being held back. The passive construction (be unshackled from) is frequently used in news and political writing.