handcuff

1 of 2

noun

hand·​cuff ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf How to pronounce handcuff (audio)
Synonyms of handcuffnext
: a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening
—usually plural

handcuff

2 of 2

verb

handcuffed; handcuffing; handcuffs

transitive verb

1
: to apply handcuffs to : manacle
2
: to hold in check : make ineffective or powerless
handcuffed by strict regulations

Synonyms of handcuff

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Noun

Verb

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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
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.
Noun
He was struck several times while pinned down and in handcuffs. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Wearing dark blue jail garb, handcuffs and iron shackles around his waist, Caruso on Friday was ordered to surrender his passport before release. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
Bredow was held in contempt and handcuffed, and spent five days in jail. — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 In the video posted by bystanders, the woman fell to the ground, where an officer handcuffed her. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handcuff

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1649, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handcuff was in 1649

Rhymes for handcuff

See All Rhymes for handcuff

Browse Nearby Words

hand cream
handcuff
hand cultivator
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Cite this Entry

“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcuff. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

handcuff

noun
hand·​cuff
ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf
: a metal fastening locking around a wrist and usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening
—usually used in plural
handcuff verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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