as in bind
usually handcuffs plural
something that physically prevents free movement
the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to bind
to confine or restrain with or as if with chains
wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 handcuff
Tal Axelrod, Axios, 20 May 2025
During a tense stand off, Rykov found the keys to his handcuffs and ran away from the gunfire, with Hondo chasing after him.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 17 May 2025
Moná Thomas, People.com, 27 May 2025
The younger Combs and his brother, Justin, were temporarily handcuffed and detained by authorities during the March 2024 search on their father’s home.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
Drumbeat calls for repercussions in the Epstein case — among others — are not going anywhere, and the administration will likely have to answer to the base until some handcuffs click.
—Tal Axelrod, Axios, 20 May 2025
During a tense stand off, Rykov found the keys to his handcuffs and ran away from the gunfire, with Hondo chasing after him.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
Even after being handcuffed, the passenger continued to behave aggressively, repeatedly banging her head against the bus window.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 27 May 2025
The younger Combs and his brother, Justin, were temporarily handcuffed and detained by authorities during the March 2024 search on their father’s home.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
-
Ultimately, average crypto investors are left in a bind: too little time, too much volatility, and no easy, automatic way to synthesize it all.—
Charles Wayn,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
Companies that were on the cutting edge of the last decade’s wellness boom find themselves in a special bind.—
Alisha Haridasani Gupta,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
The switch-hitting Happ hit his first home run off a lefty this season in Monday’s extra-inning loss, tying the game in the eighth inning by taking Phillies reliever Matt Strahm deep.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
-
But when just looking at last year's data, Montana and Nebraska tied for states with the biggest surge in insurance prices.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
Protesters should remain on sidewalks where possible and avoid impeding traffic or emergency access, Honeycutt said.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2025
-
The union leader — whose organization represents approximately 750,000 people — is accused of conspiracy to impede an officer.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
The vote comes fourth months after contract negotiations between the union and the grocery chain companies began.—
Md Fazlur Rahman,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
-
Increasingly, rather than targeting technology, criminals are striking directly at the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain, which is usually us humans.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Verb
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
-
Hundreds of law enforcement officers at the local, state and federal level spent nearly two weeks searching for Hardin, using dogs, drones and aircraft, at times hampered by severe weather.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
These credit impacts may hinder access to mortgages, car loans and other financial products.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
-
In some such as Utah and Nevada, the government controls the vast majority of lands, protecting them from potential exploitation but hindering growth.—
Matthew Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
Verb
-
The fear of losing your career, your livelihood, and your future in an industry can shackle women to their abusers for years in the same way physical restraints do.—
Bridgette Carr,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2025
-
In a country shackled and scarred by race, religion, gender, and class, the Disciples were genial revolutionists offering inclusion, education, and empowerment for those at the margins.—
Richard D. Mahoney,
JSTOR Daily,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The following program will contain graphic stupidity, as four friends compete to embarrass one another – only this time in Lithuania.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
9 June 2025
-
Races are sometimes won by runners making a move from the back of the pack, and L.A. could still find its stride, show some pride, and avoid embarrassing itself.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share