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 used in 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
The same day, the other man, Daniel Maddox, was placed in handcuffs at the home that was searched and held for several hours, the notice says. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 31 July 2026 During the search, Palazuelos said he was placed in handcuffs while authorities searched his vehicle and later his Rio Rico home. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Verb
Prosecutors in Italy told CNN that two police officers and four first responders are under investigation for the involuntary manslaughter, of the 42-year-old man, who died after being handcuffed and restrained by officers. — CNN Money, 21 July 2026 And there are eyewitness accounts claiming that the ICE officer who shot Salgado was reaching through the open passenger window, shot him in the stomach, and then the officers pulled him out of the vehicle and tried to handcuff him. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 20 July 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

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Browse Nearby Words

hand cream
handcuff
hand cultivator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handcuff. Accessed 5 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on handcuff

Nglish: Translation of handcuff for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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