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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of handcuff
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Then, with his car keys and cell phone confiscated, he was put in handcuffs and loaded into a white Jeep, video footage shows.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025
Samantha Liss | Kff Health News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2025
Officers handcuffed him and took him to the Gary Police Station.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
Our officers were ready, and many of you ended up in handcuffs.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Then, with his car keys and cell phone confiscated, he was put in handcuffs and loaded into a white Jeep, video footage shows.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
In Indiana, behavioral health professionals now lead the response via mobile crisis teams, not law enforcement, such as the officers who handcuffed Isbell.
—Samantha Liss | Kff Health News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2025
Officers handcuffed him and took him to the Gary Police Station.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
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Opioids like tramadol, oxycodone, morphine, and buprenorphine bind to pain receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals and provide pain relief.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
22 Apr. 2025
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Since the start of Trump’s second term, Doral, which leans conservative on voting rolls, has been caught in a political and humanitarian bind.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After a stunning Game 1 blowout followed by a defensive struggle out of the 1990s, the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves playoff series will relocate to the Twin Cities, tied 1-1.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
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Great Wolf Lodge is kicking off their annual Summer Camp-In celebration (May 24 - August 25) with a special promotion tied to the viral meme.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Rabbi Anne wears a keepsake from her grandfather — a metal thimble that dangles from a silver chain around her neck.—
Hollace Ava Weiner,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The broken bangle was remade into something else entirely: a smooth, curved jade pendant attached to a 22-karat gold chain.—
Sadiya Ansari Spandita Malik,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The dissatisfaction simmered for years, hampering efforts to combine the automakers fully.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Leaders worldwide are promoting minimal AI regulation to drive innovation and avoid hindering growth.—
Art Gilliland,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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Being smart with money now, as well as brand building, is crucial to making sure your on-the-field duties are not hindered.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Muzaffar said that he and his brother, Ali, were taken to a local base, where the soldiers shackled them to chairs and beat them with bamboo rods.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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Trump is shackling the greatest institutions in American life.—
David Brooks,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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O’Neil had shown a more ruthless streak in dealing with Lemina, stripping the midfielder of the captaincy after those embarrassing post-match scenes at West Ham.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Punk proceeded to beatdown and embarrass McIntyre, leading to Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract and winning the title from McIntyre.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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