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View synonyms for handcuff

handcuff

[ hand-kuhf ]

noun

  1. a ring-shaped metal device that can be locked around a person's wrist, usually one of a pair connected by a short chain or linked bar; shackle:

    The police put handcuffs on the suspect.



verb (used with object)

  1. to put handcuffs on.
  2. to restrain or thwart (someone) by or as if by handcuffing:

    The amendments handcuffed the committee and prevented further action.

handcuff

/ ˈhændˌkʌf /

verb

  1. tr to put handcuffs on (a person); manacle


noun

  1. plural a pair of locking metal rings joined by a short bar or chain for securing prisoners, etc

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Other Words From

  • un·handcuff verb (used with object)

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Word History and Origins

Origin of handcuff1

First recorded in 1635–45; hand + cuff 1

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Example Sentences

As two officers then try and put the girl—who is now in handcuffs—in the car, she repeatedly screams, “I want my Dad.”

From Time

Others wore tactical gear or brought zip ties, which can be used as handcuffs, officials said.

He wore a Taser holstered to his hip and gripped a bunch of zip-tie handcuffs in one hand.

After deputies removed Boney in handcuffs, the judge withdrew the contempt charge but said the publisher still had to be escorted from the building.

Member Margaret Lorber said she simply cannot accept the idea of guns and handcuffs in schools.

Tihen had insisted he was in her lap as she struggled to handcuff him.

But she surprised these cops just as she had the officers back in December, when she managed to wiggle free of a handcuff.

There are psychological chains and restraints that are so much stronger than any steel chain or handcuff.

Police say that Thomas resisted arrested, so they had to handcuff her and forced her to the ground.

Court documents say she was nude with a handcuff still attached to her wrist.

And keep your eyes on me; if I act in the least peculiar, handcuff me—but don't knock me out.

Bill said that he thought that bruin was about to make up his mind to let us take off that handcuff.

He unwound the rope which he had brought along and secured one circle of a double handcuff to his left wrist.

A white mark, which slowly changed to red, showed where Delaney had clamped the handcuff down to its last notch.

"Why, he threatened to handcuff me and take me to jail if I didn't tell him all about Mr. Whitmore's death," complained Collins.

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