handcuff

1 of 2

noun

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

handcuff

2 of 2

verb

handcuffed; handcuffing; handcuffs

transitive verb

1

: to apply handcuffs to : manacle

2

: to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless

handcuffed by strict regulations

Synonyms of handcuff

Noun

• bind
• chain
• bond
• irons
• shackle
• curb

Verb

• bind
• tie
• hamper
• shackle

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

Noun

Each was equipped with a 9-millimetre Glock handgun, a bulletproof vest, handcuffs, and pepper spray. —Elizabeth Flock, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026

In one video, an adult appears to be on the ground in handcuffs. —Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026

Verb

Friedland called 911 after finding Thomas handcuffed and with her throat slashed near their 10-month-old baby’s crib, a police affidavit said. —Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026

After the man was handcuffed, officers noticed that he was injured as a result of the struggle, police said. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1649, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for handcuff

• dyestuff
• enough
• foodstuff
• rebuff
• tartuffe
• buff
• cuff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• huff

Kids Definition

handcuff

noun

hand·​cuff

ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf

: a metal fastening locking around a wrist and usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening

—usually used in plural

handcuff verb