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
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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
Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Officers quickly pounced on the man and put him in handcuffs.
—Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Jan. 2026
Young was an innocent social worker who was handcuffed, naked, in her apartment during a wrongful CPD raid in 2019.
—Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
An image of Maduro in handcuffs wearing a blue sweatshirt and giving a thumbs-up was followed immediately by a marketing meme posted by that sweatshirt’s manufacturer; scroll more and there’s the same photo, now with Maduro’s face replaced by Charlie Kirk’s.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Officers quickly pounced on the man and put him in handcuffs.
—Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
The photo shows Maduro in a grey tracksuit, handcuffed and blindfolded.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Jan. 2026
Young was an innocent social worker who was handcuffed, naked, in her apartment during a wrongful CPD raid in 2019.
—Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
-
The lack of balance put the Panthers in a bind on early downs, as Young had to carry the offense instead of guiding it in the rain.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 3,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Those conditions have put the Fed in a bind, since the central bank must balance a dual mandate to keep inflation under control and maximize employment.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Demin hit a 3-pointer with six seconds to go to tie it, and Banchero missed a 30-footer at the buzzer.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Schnapp also spoke to PEOPLE about the series ending, insisting that all loose ends had been tied — even his character’s longstanding crush on his best friend Mike (Wolfhard).—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Yet the current administration’s dismissive stance toward mRNA science, particularly COVID vaccines, could impede that effort.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
-
New data shows Loop vacancies ballooned over the recent third quarter as post-pandemic work trends continue to impact and impede demand.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The chain started with a single location in Rogers in 2017 and offers more than 20,000 drink combinations.—
John Magsam,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The content creator dressed in a stunning array of jewels, a chain-style seashell dress from Paco Rabanne retailing for nearly $4,000, and a metallic purse.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Archival added that rescue efforts had been hampered by the fact that any sparks created by digging machinery could ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill, per the outlet.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Normally, scent voices are mere whispers compared to the screams and angry shouts of humans, but in that section, certain sensitive plant species shrieked incessantly because of their proximity to plants that hindered their growth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Among the factors hindering higher youth participation, CIRCLE research shows, include confusing registration deadlines and requirements, a lack of youth outreach and a dearth of regular curriculum that teaches young people about elections and voting in school.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
He was booked into the jail in July and remained in the jail with a bond set at $50,000, according to court records.—
Lori Dunn,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Their bond was deep, joyful, and unmistakable to anyone who witnessed it.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
At the time, he was shackled and wearing the sleeveless blue smock intended to prevent its wearer from taking their own life.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jan. 2026
-
While Maduro's hands were in restraints during his transfer to the courthouse, neither he nor wife were shackled in the courtroom.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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