straitjackets

variants also straightjackets
plural of straitjacket
as in handcuffs
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of straitjackets Some plaintiffs allege they were restrained in straitjackets for as long as 16 hours. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straitjackets
Noun
  • Like the cumbersome, omnipresent sheriff's duty belt, complete with handgun, handcuffs and the works.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Cody Balmer, 36, appeared for the plea hearing at the Dauphin County Courthouse in Harrisburg wearing a dark red jumpsuit, handcuffs and ankle chains.
    Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The company owns restaurant chains such as Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The recall affects bags of shrimp sold from June 12 to September 17, 2025, at multiple retail chains including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and more.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Straitjackets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straitjackets. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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