as in bind
usually handcuffs plural
something that physically prevents free movement
the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to bind
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handcuff
Erwin Chemerinsky, Twin Cities, 6 May 2025
The letter went on to say that the Justice Department could have issued a summons for Dugan to appear before a court, as opposed to FBI Director Kash Patel announcing the judge's arrest on X, formerly Twitter, along with a photo showing her being led away in handcuffs.
—Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025
Once the verdict was read in court, Ferguson was seen hugging his son before he was handcuffed and taken into custody.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
The sight of federal officials putting a judge in handcuffs is undeniably chilling.
—Erwin Chemerinsky, Twin Cities, 6 May 2025
The letter went on to say that the Justice Department could have issued a summons for Dugan to appear before a court, as opposed to FBI Director Kash Patel announcing the judge's arrest on X, formerly Twitter, along with a photo showing her being led away in handcuffs.
—Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
Verb
The helmer said he was handcuffed, blindfolded and tossed into an army jeep, and spent hours like that at an army base.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025
Once the verdict was read in court, Ferguson was seen hugging his son before he was handcuffed and taken into custody.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
-
The game began, rain fell two innings in, and Odorizzi’s start was wiped out, which left the Twins in a bind.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
In practical terms, losing accreditation means losing aid, which puts current students in a bind.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Waters/Agassi partnership ground out rallies but the teenagers persevered and tied the match.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
On the opposing side stands Ground Game LA, a scrappy advocacy group whose ascent has been inextricably tied to the leftward shift in the city’s political power structure.—
Matt Hamilton,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
On April 16, the Department of Homeland Security threatened to impede Harvard’s ability to enroll students from abroad – an unprecedented move that would devastate the campus if the White House moved forward with it.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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As previously ordered, Apple will not impede competition.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
Baskin-Robbins: The ice cream shop chain has two special Mother's Day cakes – The Perfect Peony Cake and the Strawberries ‘n Cream Cake.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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The doughnut chain had originally planned to sell its sweet treats at all of McD’s 13,000 restaurants.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Substantial reductions in funding for HIV prevention efforts could further hamper this public health messaging.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Scientists believe early exposure to this content may hinder children's understanding of consent and respect in relationships.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
2 May 2025
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The Transport Workers Union argued the petition would hinder safety.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
1 May 2025
Verb
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In the United States, we are sometimes shackled to election cycles and the short-sightedness of politicians who care first and foremost about being re-elected.—
Mark Minevich,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
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Cannabis, however, is still shackled by federal prohibition.—
Peter Su,
Rolling Stone,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The goal isn’t to embarrass or dominate the other person.—
John Bowe,
CNBC,
1 May 2025
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This is not Carey's first time embarrassing her children.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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