variants
also straightjacket
as in confinement
a jacket that has long arms which can be tied together behind someone's back and that is used to control the movement (as of a violent prisoner or patient)
The magician struggled to free his arms from the straitjacket and escape from the tank of water he was submerged in.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of straitjacket
The state of the economy and Trump’s political standing in the medium term will be largely determined by whether Trump can Houdini his way out of a tariff straitjacket of his own fashioning.
—
The Editors, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025
Thompson, who some Rockets officials privately predict could become as dynamic and dominant as any of their young talents, put Curry in the proverbial straitjacket.
—Anthony Slater, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Think fuzzy bunny costumes with long floppy ears, dramatic eyeshadow, tops made from repurposed straitjackets, and so on.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
Multiple lawsuits on behalf of African asylum-seekers concern the use of one such item, known as the Wrap, a cross between a straitjacket and a sleeping bag.
—Mckenzie Funk, ProPublica, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
The Editors, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025
Thompson, who some Rockets officials privately predict could become as dynamic and dominant as any of their young talents, put Curry in the proverbial straitjacket.
—Anthony Slater, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Think fuzzy bunny costumes with long floppy ears, dramatic eyeshadow, tops made from repurposed straitjackets, and so on.
—Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2025
Multiple lawsuits on behalf of African asylum-seekers concern the use of one such item, known as the Wrap, a cross between a straitjacket and a sleeping bag.
—Mckenzie Funk, ProPublica, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straitjacket
Noun
-
Now He’s Accused of Killing All 3 Copeland will remain in pretrial confinement, because of the seriousness of the charges, Griffin told WAVY.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
21 June 2025
-
Below, a full rundown of Kelly’s recent attempts to escape confinement.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
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
Noun
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One of the key challenges for companies is avoiding the trap of performative activism—actions that appear supportive but lack meaningful impact.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
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Researchers reviewing camera trap footage from a remote island off Panama found that a group of adolescent capuchin monkeys were routinely kidnapping baby howler monkeys and carrying them around like accessories.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
18 June 2025
Noun
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And look: their outfits follow basic tailoring principles: jackets bisect halfway from collar to floor; jacket silhouette flows into trousers.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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The bear hunt rules require hounds be equipped with GPS and correction collars.—
Zoey Thomas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straitjacket.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straitjacket. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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