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
Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
When his wife arrived, finding her husband in handcuffs, an agent told her that his immigration status had changed and he was being taken away.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 6 Apr. 2025
Footage of her detention released March 26 shows six officers with the Department of Homeland Security stopping the young woman, covering their faces with masks, taking her phone and her backpack, and handcuffing her before putting her in a vehicle and driving away.
—Orlando Sentinel and Virginian Pilot Editorial Boards, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
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Noun
Less than three hours later, the sheriff's office announced Layman's arrest with a photo of her in handcuffs.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
When his wife arrived, finding her husband in handcuffs, an agent told her that his immigration status had changed and he was being taken away.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
So Mamie handcuffs her and puts her on the back of her horse.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 6 Apr. 2025
Footage of her detention released March 26 shows six officers with the Department of Homeland Security stopping the young woman, covering their faces with masks, taking her phone and her backpack, and handcuffing her before putting her in a vehicle and driving away.
—Orlando Sentinel and Virginian Pilot Editorial Boards, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 2025.
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