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
Synonyms
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
Mollie Markowitz, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025
He was put into handcuffs, and one officer restrained the man’s legs.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025
The officer quickly handcuffed the man and then called for medics and additional officers as the man allegedly continued to struggle, according to Krugh.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for handcuff 
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Noun
Investigators believe they were abducted and taken to an ATM, where they were forced to withdraw $500 and that the suspect used duct tape, plastic ties, handcuffs and goggles to bind and control Bochicchio and her daughter, according to the Boca Raton Police Department's website.
—Mollie Markowitz, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025
He was put into handcuffs, and one officer restrained the man’s legs.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
Read Next National Mom handcuffed 11-year-old son to oil tank in basement while at work, PA cops say
January 17, 2025 10:36 AM
Read Next
Missouri
Caregiver neglected 2 patients in ‘unlivable’ home, Missouri cops say.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025
The officer quickly handcuffed the man and then called for medics and additional officers as the man allegedly continued to struggle, according to Krugh.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for handcuff
Dictionary Entries Near handcuff
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcuff. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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