Trammel

A restraint or impediment to someone's liberty or freedom of action; a restriction. Often used metaphorically to describe anything that confines or limits progress, creativity, or movement. It can apply to physical constraints like shackles, but more commonly refers to societal expectations, personal inhibitions, or other intangible forces that hinder one's aspirations or potential. The term highlights the feeling of being bound or held back from achieving one's desires or reaching one's full capacity.

Trammel meaning with examples

• The rigid societal expectations served as a trammel on her artistic expression, forcing her to conform to traditional norms rather than explore her unique vision. This constant pressure stifled her creativity, limiting her possibilities. She yearned to break free.
• His fear of failure became a trammel, preventing him from taking risks and pursuing his dreams. This self-imposed barrier kept him in a cycle of inaction, always second guessing his abilities. He eventually sought therapy to overcome his crippling fear.
• The outdated bureaucratic processes acted as a trammel, slowing down innovation and hindering efficient project completion. This inefficiency caused delays, frustrating the team, as they wrestled with cumbersome and inflexible regulations.
• Economic hardship served as a trammel, limiting access to education and opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. The lack of resources prevented them from breaking free from this seemingly inescapable situation, restricting social mobility.
• The artist found the commercial demands of the art market to be a trammel on his creative freedom, compelling him to create works that sold, rather than pursue his authentic artistic vision, resulting in creative stagnation.