variants
also straightjackets
as in handcuffs
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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Recent Examples of straitjackets
In any other administration, straitjackets would be the mandatory dress code.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
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
Some plaintiffs allege they were restrained in straitjackets for as long as 16 hours.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
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
Some plaintiffs allege they were restrained in straitjackets for as long as 16 hours.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straitjackets
Noun
-
Other facial recognition wrongful arrest cases Angela Lipps is not the first person to say facial recognition helped put them in handcuffs.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
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Tucker’s rapid-fire delivery is punctuated with sound effects, music cues, and the use of a variety of props dangling from his person at all times (including handcuffs, a wad of cash, and two guns).—
Malina Saval,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Addressing Canal+‘s investment in UGC, one of France’s top exhibition chains, Saada sought to downplay suggestions of an imminent takeover while leaving the door open to a future acquisition.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
18 May 2026
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The drinks are also sold at smaller chains and independent stores, including Lazy Acres, Rainbow Acres and Happier Grocery in New York City.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Throughout these pages, Hutchinson expresses a deep love of prose, of its grand possibilities and subtle confinements.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
2 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straitjackets.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straitjackets. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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