trammel

USAGE SUMMARY

'trammel' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is generally used to refer to something that restricts or limits one's freedom or action. For example, "The health crisis imposed a trammel on his career plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Pressure to trammel the markets (banning trading in credit-default swaps, setting up a more pliable European rating agency) should be dismissed as an attempt to shoot the messenger.

The Economist

The most important event was a long-awaited judgment from the European Court of Justice that will trammel the power of national governments to protect privatised companies from takeover bids.

The Economist

Mr Davutoglu might be reluctant to trammel his dream of an independent foreign policy.

The Economist

The trammel net, on the other hand, is composed of two outer panels of large-mesh netting enclosing an inner panel of finer netting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere, we believe the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There were, for example, dozens of handmade lighting devices and many specialized contrivances such as the trammel, for raising and lowering pots in the fireplace, and the corn planter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

CONSTRUCTION of a professional sports arena in downtown Newark -- which became more likely last month when the city secured funds to finance a major portion of construction -- would be "like the third leg being put on a stool," said the veteran broker Dudley D. Ryan of Trammel Crow.

The New York Times

But he finds himself back in criminal court when Lisa Trammel, a client in defiance of a foreclosure notice, is accused of murdering the bank executive in charge of taking her house.

The New York Times

Jeff Trammel, a spokesman for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, said the cause was an unnamed neurological disease.

The New York Times - Arts

The lawyer for Trammel Crowe, Jonathan Epstein, said such an interpretation was wrong, but he declined to elaborate.

The New York Times

Angelique Trammel, a single mother and a telephone operator in Silver Spring, Md., needed a computer for her son but had little cash or credit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trammel" when you want to convey a sense of being restricted or impeded, often by something abstract like rules or regulations.

Common error

Avoid using "trammel" in situations where you simply mean to slow down or influence something mildly. The word carries a stronger connotation of restriction and impediment.

Linguistic Context

The word "trammel" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the action of hindering or impeding. As a noun, it refers to something that causes such hindrance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trammel" functions as both a verb and a noun to convey restriction or impediment. As Ludwig AI validates, it is a correct and usable word. Its usage is most common in News & Media and Encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using "trammel", be mindful of its stronger connotation of restriction and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "restrict" or "hinder" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrict

Focuses on setting limits or boundaries.

hinder

Emphasizes the act of impeding progress or action.

impede

Highlights obstruction and delay.

constrain

Suggests a force that compels or restricts.

inhibit

Focuses on preventing or slowing down a process or activity.

shackle

Implies a physical or metaphorical restraint.

confine

Highlights keeping something within limits.

curtail

Indicates a reduction or restriction, often of rights or privileges.

encumber

Suggests a burden or hindrance.

fetter

Emphasizes restraint and preventing free movement or action.

FAQs

How can I use "trammel" in a sentence?

You can use "trammel" to describe something that impedes or restricts freedom or activity. For example, "Bureaucratic regulations often "trammel" innovation."

What are some alternatives to "trammel"?

Alternatives to "trammel" include "restrict", "hinder", or "impede", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "trammel" a formal or informal word?

"Trammel" is generally considered a more formal word. In informal contexts, words like "hinder" or "hold back" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "trammel" and "restrain"?

"Trammel" often implies a more subtle and pervasive restriction, while "restrain" suggests a more direct and forceful limitation. You "trammel" someone's creativity with excessive rules, but you restrain them physically.