handcuff

²handcuff

verb

Definition of HANDCUFF

transitive verb

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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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