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

Noun

• bind
• chain
• irons
• bond
• 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

An officer can also be seen passing in front of the camera with what looks like a person in handcuffs. —Emma Bussey , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025

Eventually, the situation calmed, and Baker placed Skeet in handcuffs and arrested him, along with Medlin and two other ranch hands. —Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025

Verb

The lawsuit says Thorns, who was handcuffed at the scene, suffered a graze wound to his forehead. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025

By Saturday morning, after robbing the second in Belmont, he was handcuffed. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 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