Trammel Meaning and Definition
Trammel
Pronunciation
/ˈtræməl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A device used to guide or restrain something, such as a fishnet or a clamp, or a restrictive circumstance or rule that limits one’s freedom.
Examples
- The fishermen used a trammel to catch the fish.
- The trammel of the contract prevented us from making any changes.
Synonyms
- Net
- Restriction
Antonyms
- Freedom
- Release
Additional Information
Trammels have been used for centuries in various forms, from fishing nets to mechanical restraints. In modern times, the term is often used metaphorically to describe restrictive circumstances or rules that limit one’s freedom. Trammels can be physical or abstract, and their purpose is to guide, restrain, or restrict something or someone.
In addition to its literal meaning, trammel is also used figuratively to describe emotional or psychological restraints that hold someone back. For example, “She felt trammelled by her fear of failure.”
Etymology
The word trammel comes from the Old English word “trama”, meaning “net” or “snare”, and has evolved over time to encompass a broader range of meanings.
Usage Notes
Trammel can be used in various contexts, from literal descriptions of devices or restraints to metaphorical descriptions of emotional or psychological constraints. It is often used in formal or technical writing, but can also be used in informal contexts to add depth and nuance to one’s language.
Cultural References
Trammel has been used in literature and poetry to describe feelings of confinement or restriction. For example, in William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, the character of Ariel is described as being “trammelled” by his servitude to the sorcerer Prospero.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To be trammelled by something
- To trammel someone’s freedom
Related Words or Phrases
- Constraint
- Restraint
- Limitation
Collocations
- Trammel net
- Trammel device
- Trammel effect
Frequency of Use
Trammel is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is still used in various contexts to add nuance and precision to one’s language.