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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straitjacket
Noun
  • At least one monitor will focus on the systems for medical care and disability accommodations and the other on the conditions of confinement, according to the order.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2026
  • That confinement to our homes changed our preferences for housing.
    Daryl Fairweather, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Police say the mother wrapped a metal chain around the child's waist, secured the other end to the property's fence and left her there before driving away.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • The bookstore chain has seen a remarkable digital-age renaissance, and is actually expanding in the Atlanta area.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • But their journey to catch up with the Rivermen proves increasingly difficult, after one of their horses gets caught in a trap.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026
  • Hamilton, minding his own business, had nowhere to go, and Russell clipped him and then spun into the gravel trap.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • With its structured collar, this top offers a preppy twist on the classic T-shirt.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • The pate uses trim such as collars and tails, which are double smoked, much like classic barbecue burnt ends.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Straitjacket.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straitjacket. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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