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
Greta Cross, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
State troopers massed around him; later, he was led out of the capitol in handcuffs.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Achane was the primary running back last season, but he was still handcuffed by Raheem Mostert, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in March.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
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Noun
At that point, he was placed in handcuffs and escorted out of the business to the officer's patrol car.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
State troopers massed around him; later, he was led out of the capitol in handcuffs.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
Estelle said individuals were handcuffed but released once the fights calmed down.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Achane was the primary running back last season, but he was still handcuffed by Raheem Mostert, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in March.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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