hand·cuff
ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf 
: a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening
—usually used in plural
handcuffed; handcuffing; handcuffs
2
: to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless
handcuffed by strict regulations
Examples of handcuff in a Sentence
Noun
the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs
Verb
wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father
the fear that the new mandatory, standardized tests will handcuff the state's teachers, who will have to specifically tailor their lesson plans for the test
Recent Examples on the Web
Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 19 May 2026
What went into the decision to conclude season one with Coltrane on the run, as opposed to in handcuffs?
—Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
Cellphone video showed officers handcuffing and pressing him against an unmarked sedan, with his forehead bloodied.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
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Noun
The cold metal handcuffs dug into my wrists.
—Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 19 May 2026
What went into the decision to conclude season one with Coltrane on the run, as opposed to in handcuffs?
—Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Verb
Shortly after, a police officer read Mangione his Miranda rights before he was frisked and handcuffed behind his back.
—Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
Cellphone video showed officers handcuffing and pressing him against an unmarked sedan, with his forehead bloodied.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcuff. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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