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
Darius Johnson, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
In May 2020, sheriff’s deputy Aaron Russell, who was assigned to the Central Jail, shot and killed 36-year-old Nicholas Bils as Bils fled, unarmed, after slipping out of handcuffs just outside the facility.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
Trump also posted photographs of the suspect, believed to be Allen, shirtless and handcuffed, face down on the floor with officers surrounding him.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
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Noun
Prosecutors said his handcuffs were removed for the scan, which is when Talley reached under the blanket, pulled out a gun, and shot at officers.
—Darius Johnson, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
In May 2020, sheriff’s deputy Aaron Russell, who was assigned to the Central Jail, shot and killed 36-year-old Nicholas Bils as Bils fled, unarmed, after slipping out of handcuffs just outside the facility.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
He was then handcuffed and detained at the NYPD's 79th Precinct in Bed-Stuy and was ultimately charged.
—Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
Trump also posted photographs of the suspect, believed to be Allen, shirtless and handcuffed, face down on the floor with officers surrounding him.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 27 Apr. 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 1 May. 2026.
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