handcuff

¹hand·cuff

noun \-ˌkəf\

Definition of HANDCUFF

: 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

Examples of HANDCUFF

1. <the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs>

First Known Use of HANDCUFF

1695

Related to HANDCUFF

Synonyms

band, bind, bracelet, chain, cuff(s), fetter, handcuff(s), irons, ligature, manacle(s), shackle

Related Words

captivity, confinement, constraint, curb, enchainment, enslavement, hindrance, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, restraint, restriction; entanglement, net, trammel, trap; collar, straitjacket (also straightjacket); fastener, hobble, hold, hold-down, holding, tie

Rhymes with HANDCUFF

breadstuff, cream puff, dyestuff, earmuff, enough, feedstuff, foodstuff, greenstuff, hang tough, hot stuff, kid stuff, Pine Bluff, rebuff, small stuff

²handcuff

transitive verb

Definition of HANDCUFF

1

: to apply handcuffs to : manacle

2

: to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless <handcuffed by strict regulations>

Examples of HANDCUFF

1. <wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father>
2. <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>

First Known Use of HANDCUFF

1691

Related to HANDCUFF

Synonyms

chain, enchain, enfetter, fetter, gyve, bind, manacle, pinion, shackle, trammel

Antonyms

unbind, unfetter, unshackle

Related Words

bit, hobble, hog-tie, iron, lash, secure, tie, truss; attach, fasten, join, link; confine, constrain, curb, hamper, hinder, impede; limit, restrict; entangle, tangle

Near Antonyms

emancipate, free, liberate, loose, release, rescue; undo, unfasten, untangle, untie; detach, disengage