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
Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
The children’s punishments, authorities said, extended past handcuffs.
—Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The 6-year-old shared similar accounts, telling officers her mom handcuffed her after she was caught eating in a bathroom, according to KSAT.
—Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
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Noun
Meanwhile, video posted by the Salvadoran government showed detainees stripped and having their heads shaved before being frog-marched in handcuffs and chains at their feet and waist into the prison.
—Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
The children’s punishments, authorities said, extended past handcuffs.
—Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
The workers may be shackled or handcuffed, and torture is not uncommon.
—Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The 6-year-old shared similar accounts, telling officers her mom handcuffed her after she was caught eating in a bathroom, according to KSAT.
—Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2025.
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