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
Leila Fadel, NPR, 24 June 2025
Videos of Lander struggling with the federal agents showed the agents perp walking him out of the facility in handcuffs while Lander shouted about warrants and due process.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
But an intake guard threw the ruling in the trash and Landor was handcuffed to a chair while his knee-length locks were forcibly shaved off.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
The livestream partially shows Guevara being led away in handcuffs and then placed in a law enforcement vehicle.
—Leila Fadel, NPR, 24 June 2025
Videos of Lander struggling with the federal agents showed the agents perp walking him out of the facility in handcuffs while Lander shouted about warrants and due process.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
Verb
Three people have been convicted after officials say a 6-year-old boy was handcuffed when a dog attacked him last year in Ohio.
—Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2025
But an intake guard threw the ruling in the trash and Landor was handcuffed to a chair while his knee-length locks were forcibly shaved off.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
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Advertisement That confluence of tricky politics has left a lot of D.C.’s political class in a bind.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
23 June 2025
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Here, Malaysia’s efforts revealed the bind of ethical leadership in a realist system.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Verb
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On the eve of Lionel Messi’s 38th birthday, more than 60,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium watched in amazement as his Inter Miami team took a 2-0 lead on Brazilian great Palmeiras, and then held their breath as Palmeiras tied it 2-2 in an entertaining Club World Cup match.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2025
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Around 61% of workers say that the climb up the corporate ladder feels outdated, with Gen Z and millennials just about tied at 65% and 62% respectively.—
Brit Morse,
Fortune,
24 June 2025
Verb
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This month she was indicted on three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding and interfering with federal officials.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 June 2025
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The indictment, announced earlier this month, accuses McIver of three counts: two felonies for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers—each carrying up to eight years in prison—and a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Noun
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In the latest twist, Shooter McGavin (the rival to Sandler’s Happy) gets to be the official spokesperson for the Happy Gilmore Meal, which is an actual offering going on sale at the chain later this summer.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
26 June 2025
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The chain also announced a new Chipotle Hash Brown Wake-Up Wrap is joining the menu.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 June 2025
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Critics, however, say that would hamper recovery efforts.—
Melanie Stetson Freeman,
Christian Science Monitor,
20 June 2025
Verb
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However, rather than hindering its movement, this feature is actually an adaptation that enhances its ability to survive in a diverse range of North American habitats.—
Smithsonian magazine,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 June 2025
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Security and Privacy Concerns Persist Security and data privacy remain the leading concerns hindering wider LLM adoption.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Verb
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At a hearing on Thursday, Hipolito walked into court, limping and shackled in the same clothes he had been arrested in.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
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Abrego Garcia, who was shackled and wearing a red jumpsuit, was expected to be released Wednesday, if only into ICE custody.—
Travis Loller,
Fortune,
26 June 2025
Verb
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And best of all, no one could possibly be embarrassed by these empathetic words.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
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Mavericks 4-2 over Heat (2011): Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavs absolutely embarrassed the Heatles.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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