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

Back in December, Colt appeared in handcuffs with a new attorney by his side for a status hearing. —Cbs News Atlanta Digital Staff, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026

They were placed in handcuffs and put in the back of a car while FBI agents searched their home and took items such as computers, cell phones and some paper documents, according to the newspaper. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026

Verb

One officer says Martin, who remains handcuffed on the floor, seems to be tired, as Martin at times appears to snore. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026

After being handcuffed, Solomon allegedly spat on a Dallas police officer while being placed in a patrol car. —Doug Myers, CBS News, 14 Mar. 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