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
Synonyms
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
Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 23 Dec. 2024
From Karen Huger to Jen Shah to Luann de Lesseps these reality TV stars have had some run-ins with the law that found them in handcuffs.
—Diane J. Cho, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
On cross-examination, deputy prosecuting attorney Janna Skelton asked Ahmad if Whitfield was still a threat after he was handcuffed.
—Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for handcuff 
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Noun
Timmerman, who was discovered by fishermen with duct tape wrapped around her face, her hands in handcuffs and her body weighted down by cinder blocks, disappeared days before Gabrion was scheduled to face trial on the rape allegation.
—Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 23 Dec. 2024
From Karen Huger to Jen Shah to Luann de Lesseps these reality TV stars have had some run-ins with the law that found them in handcuffs.
—Diane J. Cho, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
Padilla dropped the knife and was handcuffed moments later when one of the officers drew their firearm.
—Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
On cross-examination, deputy prosecuting attorney Janna Skelton asked Ahmad if Whitfield was still a threat after he was handcuffed.
—Ryan Murphy, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for handcuff
Dictionary Entries Near handcuff
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcuff. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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