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
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
The footage ends with Rahman screaming as she is escorted away in handcuffs.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 4 Jan. 2025
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2025
Early return: The Rangers couldn’t trade Jacob Trouba’s contract last summer, which handcuffed their ability to make significant upgrades.
—Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for handcuff 
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Noun
Evidence at the scene, including handcuffs and shotgun shells, suggested Baumeister had killed and buried men lured from gay bars across Indianapolis.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
The footage ends with Rahman screaming as she is escorted away in handcuffs.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
Berardi was handcuffed and reportedly found with 40 glassine baggies containing a powdery substance as well as a prescription bottle with pills inside that did not match the label, police said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2025
Early return: The Rangers couldn’t trade Jacob Trouba’s contract last summer, which handcuffed their ability to make significant upgrades.
—Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
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 20 Jan. 2025.
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