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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of straitjacket
In any other administration, straitjackets would be the mandatory dress code.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
First Man, the Neil Armstrong biopic that is Chazelle’s second collaboration with Gosling, feels like watching Gosling act his way out of a straitjacket.
—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Pierce wiggled, jumped, twisted, pulled, huffed and puffed his way out of that straitjacket, taking a little bow at the end.
—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
25 Feb. 2026
The collection, all black save for splashes of red and silky cream and deep brown plum moments, wasn't worth the wait but had bright spots in utility-style vests and jackets, a black funnel-neck piece with tiers of straps down and around like a straightjacket.
—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
First Man, the Neil Armstrong biopic that is Chazelle’s second collaboration with Gosling, feels like watching Gosling act his way out of a straitjacket.
—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Pierce wiggled, jumped, twisted, pulled, huffed and puffed his way out of that straitjacket, taking a little bow at the end.
—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
25 Feb. 2026
The collection, all black save for splashes of red and silky cream and deep brown plum moments, wasn't worth the wait but had bright spots in utility-style vests and jackets, a black funnel-neck piece with tiers of straps down and around like a straightjacket.
—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straitjacket
Noun
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The poor conditions inside detention centers and the prolonged confinement often compel detainees to give up their quest for a court hearing and opt to leave the country of their own accord.
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Understanding fusion fuel One of the hub’s basic goals is to refine the understanding of inertial confinement fusion (ICF).
Noun
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His cuffs and chains were removed and a few minutes later he was pronounced dead, according to the family.
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The federal government is suing 99 Ranch Market, alleging the nation’s largest Asian supermarket chain is discriminating against employees who are not Chinese.
Noun
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This is because the infrastructure of the city traps in all of the heat that built up during the day, thus preventing a normal nocturnal cooldown seen in non-urban settings.
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One of the biggest traps organizations fall into is assuming employees already know what behaviors are valued.
Noun
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Pop one in your wallet, travel bag, or even on your pet’s collar.
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And, before the fireworks start, double check any leashes, collars or harnesses for wear and tear and a proper fit.
Cite this Entry
“Straitjacket.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straitjacket. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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