'unfettered' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'feter,' where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'feter' meant 'chain or shackle.'

'feter' transformed into the Middle English word 'feteren,' and eventually became the modern English word 'unfettered' by adding the prefix 'un-' to indicate the removal of restrictions.

Initially, it meant 'not chained or shackled,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not controlled or restricted.'