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
The first three weeks saw an 8-year-old aerialist, a 74-year-old comedian, a laser-performing duo from Vietnam and a Las Vegas magician who hung from the ceiling in a straitjacket.
—
Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Mikey struggles to keep up with the two Gucci duffels wrapped around his shoulders like a straitjacket.
—Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025
Known for its aggressive high-top design, the Air Max2 CB 94’s key features include elastic straps on the tongue said to be inspired by straightjackets, a nod to Barkley’s volatile reputation in the ‘90s.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 Nov. 2025
But the peace forged at Dayton bound Bosnia in a straitjacket that has kept it divided since.
—Adis Maksić, The Conversation, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Mikey struggles to keep up with the two Gucci duffels wrapped around his shoulders like a straitjacket.
—Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025
Known for its aggressive high-top design, the Air Max2 CB 94’s key features include elastic straps on the tongue said to be inspired by straightjackets, a nod to Barkley’s volatile reputation in the ‘90s.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 26 Nov. 2025
But the peace forged at Dayton bound Bosnia in a straitjacket that has kept it divided since.
—Adis Maksić, The Conversation, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for straitjacket
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straitjacket
Noun
-
The judge had set their bail at $25,000 each with home confinement, GPS monitoring, and other conditions because of the delays caused by the Quigley allegations disclosure.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
19 Mar. 2026
-
These alternatives are often more effective at reducing recidivism and less costly than secure confinement.—
Jeffrey Shook,
The Conversation,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Now, the local chain is preparing to anchor itself in one of the city’s most visible — and long-dormant — building.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
21 Mar. 2026
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Unleaded gasoline and diesel fuels were mixed in error at a Meijer Express fuel station in Macomb County, Michigan, the supermarket chain said Saturday.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Both teams created chances after the interval and Como coach Cesc Fabregas' changes paid off as Tasos Douvikas beat the offside trap to equalize.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Trump is risking falling into the Biden trap by asking Americans to endure higher prices for a war in the Middle East.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While that dog did not have a collar, police were able to use the microchip to identify its owner.—
Patrick Damp,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
From a crisp white collar to the maroon Purple Bust (1969), his color palette enhances the monastic quality of these paintings, which nearly double as fabric studies.—
Stephanie Sporn,
Vogue,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Straitjacket.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straitjacket. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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