This is the 16717th most frequent Russian word.
сковывает
"Restrains" or "binds."
The word 'сковывает' is used here to indicate restriction or inhibition caused by the cold, affecting the person's ability to move freely.
Холод сковывает его движения.
The cold inhibits his movements.
In this sentence, 'сковывает' conveys a metaphorical restraint, describing how fear limits or controls the flow of her thoughts.
Страх сковывает её мысли.
Fear constrains her thoughts.
Here, 'сковывает' is employed in a literal sense to describe the physical action of the chain restricting or securing the doors.