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
Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
The footage from the Martin County Sheriff's Office shows the legendary golfer undergoing a field sobriety test, being placed into handcuffs and then driven from the scene in the back of the patrol vehicle following Friday's crash.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adam Thompson, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
While Curry was handcuffed and helplessly lying on the ground, Dickerson punched him multiple times while Billups-Taylor kicked him, according to the court document.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Shane said when the EMS arrived, Curry began using abusive, threatening language and officers had to take him to the ground to gain control of his hands and properly secure and lock both handcuffs.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
The footage from the Martin County Sheriff's Office shows the legendary golfer undergoing a field sobriety test, being placed into handcuffs and then driven from the scene in the back of the patrol vehicle following Friday's crash.
—Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
While conducting crowd control, Dugan allegedly used his espantoon against a juvenile's throat, put his knee on the juvenile's stomach and arms, and stepped on the juvenile's arm before attempting to turn him onto his stomach to be handcuffed.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
While Curry was handcuffed and helplessly lying on the ground, Dickerson punched him multiple times while Billups-Taylor kicked him, according to the court document.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcuff. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
