束缚 shùfù to bind
to bind; to tie up; to fetter; to shackle
How to remember 束缚: 束 bundle + 缚 to tie = to bind.
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How it is used
- 'To bind, fetter, constrain' - 摆脱束缚 (bǎituō shùfù) to break free of constraints.
- Mostly figurative: traditions, rules, or fear that 束缚 one's thinking or freedom.
- Both verb ('to shackle') and noun ('shackles, fetters'); carries a negative, restrictive sense.