hamper, trammel, clog, fetter, shackle, manacle
– mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting. However,
hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence <hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate>.
trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net <rules that trammel the artist’s creativity>.
clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering <a court system clogged by frivolous suits>.
fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost <a nation fettered by an antiquated class system>.
shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom <a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice> <a people manacled by tyranny>.
Source: MW
