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
Colin Sheeley, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2025
After Livingston mentions a classified detail about the execution of the Downing Street bomb, he is hauled away in handcuffs.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 30 Aug. 2025
Flores videotaped the arrest of his wife, who was heard screaming while agents handcuffed her behind her back while on her knees.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
In the videos from Wednesday shared by Khaled, New York Police Department officers are seen going into the building and later coming out with the two brothers in handcuffs.
—Colin Sheeley, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2025
After Livingston mentions a classified detail about the execution of the Downing Street bomb, he is hauled away in handcuffs.
—Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Seeing the girl handcuffed by a Marion County sheriff's deputy a few blocks from her home simply didn't compute.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 30 Aug. 2025
Flores videotaped the arrest of his wife, who was heard screaming while agents handcuffed her behind her back while on her knees.
—Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
-
Schubkegel said her own decision to leave the workforce put her family in a financial bind.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
31 Aug. 2025
-
The flag movement has put the government in an awkward bind.—
Olivia Kemp,
CNN Money,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The college has implemented new programs and expanded others that are tied to in-demand jobs, Posey said.—
Bebe Hodges,
The Enquirer,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Lorenzen retired the next two hitters — via strikeout — as the game remained tied.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Let go of whatever impedes your growth.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This past July, the conservative advocacy group America First Legal requested a federal investigation of the chain due to its alleged discrimination against white employees.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The death sets off a chain of events that forces Lilian to revisit her fractured family life and complicated bond with her ex-husband.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Currently, only 37% of the more than 5 million tons of trash generated in the county each year is recycled — and even that is hampered by a 40% contamination rate.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 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,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Alternatively, overly conservative limits may hinder essential remediation measures.—
Perry Carpenter,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The deployment appeared to be the first time in decades that a state’s national guard was activated without a request from its governor, a significant escalation against those who have sought to hinder the administration’s mass deportation efforts.—
OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In one scene, Sweet Tooth is shackled and dragged behind a taxi en route to the Eastern Sovereignty, ruled by Pope Charlie Kane.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
28 Aug. 2025
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He was constantly shackled by his hands and feet, except for short bathroom breaks.—
Avi Asher-Schapiro,
ProPublica,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, then came an ugly post-game brawl that has gone viral on social media all over the world.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
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Ultimately, the Eagles embarrassed the Chiefs, shutting them out 24-0 in the first half, and captured a 40-22 win.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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