hand·cuff
ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf 
: a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening
—usually used in plural
handcuffed; handcuffing; handcuffs
2
: to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless
handcuffed by strict regulations
Examples of handcuff in a Sentence
Noun
the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs
Verb
wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father
the fear that the new mandatory, standardized tests will handcuff the state's teachers, who will have to specifically tailor their lesson plans for the test
Recent Examples on the Web
Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
Dem lawmaker condemns Trump admin after staff member ends up in handcuffs.
—FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
That officer handcuffed Garza, who allegedly continued physically struggling, sheriff’s Lt. Michael Krugh said.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
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Noun
Rollins said nothing to reporters when he was led out of the 105th Precinct stationhouse in handcuffs Tuesday afternoon.
—Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
Dem lawmaker condemns Trump admin after staff member ends up in handcuffs.
—FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
Velazquez, 61, wearing a red jail outfit and handcuffed, briefly appeared on Zoom before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer Tuesday morning and was released on a $30,000 bond that was posted by his wife.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
That officer handcuffed Garza, who allegedly continued physically struggling, sheriff’s Lt. Michael Krugh said.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcuff. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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