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

Bodycam footage shows officers informing him of the warrant while his mother questions the need for handcuffs. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

Photos taken there show multiple men in handcuffs, being loaded into the back of an SUV. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Verb

During the encounter, the individuals who stopped me unlocked my car door without my consent, dragged me out of my vehicle aggressively, snatched my phone from my hand, and handcuffed me. —Miami Herald, 6 Dec. 2025

Two people came out, but no one was handcuffed, said the neighbor, who did not want his name used. —Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 5 Dec. 2025

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