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
Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Former convicts include Millie Bobby Brown and Margaret Qualley, who were both gifted the artist’s fluffy pink handcuffs while attending one of her shows.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2025
Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
This led to an altercation with deputies, where Adair allegedly threw himself out of his wheelchair, and deputies handcuffed and wheeled back to his cell, according to the affidavit.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
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Noun
Cody Balmer, 36, appeared for the plea hearing at the Dauphin County Courthouse in Harrisburg wearing a dark red jumpsuit, handcuffs and ankle chains.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Former convicts include Millie Bobby Brown and Margaret Qualley, who were both gifted the artist’s fluffy pink handcuffs while attending one of her shows.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
Kaprizov fired a puck on net that handcuffed Merzlikins.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
This led to an altercation with deputies, where Adair allegedly threw himself out of his wheelchair, and deputies handcuffed and wheeled back to his cell, according to the affidavit.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2025.
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