Skip to main content

trammelto restrict or hamper the freedom, activity, or development of someone or something

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to restrict or hamper the freedom, activity, or development of someone or something

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtræməl/

Example Sentences

  • His genius was trammeled by his inability to wake up before noon.
  • Don't let outdated rules trammel your startup's potential!
  • My diet plan was trammeled by the irresistible smell of pizza.

trammel

VERB

[/ˈtræməl/]

to restrict or hamper the freedom, activity, or development of someone or something

an employee tries to work quickly at their computer while reaching for important documents. A micromanaging colleague stands directly behind them, constantly pointing over their shoulder and grabbing papers away. Every time the employee tries to type or organize files, the colleague interrupts with corrections and restrictions. The employee's movements become slower and more constrained as the colleague continues hovering and controlling every action. Other coworkers in the background look sympathetic but keep working at their own desks.  how the colleague's interference restricts and hampers the employee's ability to work freely
💡 Concept

an employee tries to work quickly at their computer while reaching for important documents. A micromanaging colleague stands directly behind them, constantly pointing over their shoulder and grabbing papers away. Every time the employee tries to type or organize files, the colleague interrupts with corrections and restrictions. The employee's movements become slower and more constrained as the colleague continues hovering and controlling every action. Other coworkers in the background look sympathetic but keep working at their own desks. how the colleague's interference restricts and hampers the employee's ability to work freely

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈtræməl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈtræməl/

🌳Etymology

Roottramail

Origin

From 14th century Old French 'tramail', originally referring to a type of fishing net with three layers. The word later expanded to mean any device that restricts movement, like shackles for horses' legs.

Breakdown

tra- (through/across) + mail (mesh/net) - literally meaning 'through the mesh', referring to how fish get caught in the layered nets

🎵Rhyme

camelenamelmammal
camel
enamel
mammal

🔗Collocations

trammel freedom
trammel progress
trammel creativity
free from trammels
escape the trammels

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

His genius was trammeled by his inability to wake up before noon.

Don't let outdated rules trammel your startup's potential!

😄 Fun example

My diet plan was trammeled by the irresistible smell of pizza.

The artist refused to be trammeled by conventional techniques.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

restricthamperhinderconstrainimpede

Antonyms

liberatefreefacilitate

Related

fettershacklebindencumberobstruct

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.