straitjacket

variants also straightjacket
Definition of straitjacketnext
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

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 straitjacket Forced to walk around, and even sleep, in a steel straightjacket with his neck permanently raised high, the once carefree Christophe begins to shut down to both his classmates and family. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 The icy straitjacket that kept the rocks from collapsing was no longer there. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straitjacket
Noun
  • The cage-free adoption and medical facility was designed to maximize socialization and lessen any stress on the animals by eliminating confinement.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The Miami Correctional Facility, however, is the only detention center located inside an active state prison designed for punitive confinement.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The local chain, which Dick Portillo founded in 1963, offers solid versions of local favorites, including hot dogs, Italian beef, and a Maxwell Street Polish.
    — Amy Cavanaugh, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Processing 'monopoly' But the push is facing growing resistance as host governments demand more local processing, a stage China dominates and has turned into a key supply-chain chokepoint.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Rugs trap dust, dirt, allergens, odors, pet hair, dander, and more.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The researchers then moved the cloud into a wider optical trap and gradually loosened its grip.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The woman denied the allegations, and Ross hit her in the chest several times and choked her, the report says, restricting her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The two designers have launched a collaboration featuring 18-karat yellow gold and diamond button studs and collar tips created for Savas’ signature Allen denim shirt, bringing together fine jewelry craftsmanship and American workwear.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Straitjacket.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straitjacket. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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