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
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
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
-
Thompson, who did not speak publicly in court, was led away in handcuffs after the sentencing.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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Silva-Parucho, whose handcuffs were ordered to be removed before his hearing began, broke into elated sobs as the judge read the order releasing him.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
If humans must route every meaningful choice through approval chains, the organization becomes its own bottleneck.—
Amy Eliza Wong,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
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Every year, restaurant chains across Tennessee offer holiday discounts and special menus, and this year is no different.—
Jordan Green,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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 15 Feb. 2026.
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