handcuff
noun
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.
are handcuffing
-
present progressiveof handcuff.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It’s frustrating because these new rules are handcuffing homeowners associations,” Peters said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2025
“There are some who say that we do not do enough for the police and that we are handcuffing them from doing their jobs,” Ms. Lightfoot said during a news conference.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 9, 2021
"There are some who say that we do not do enough for the police and that we are handcuffing them for doing their jobs," the mayor said.
From Fox News ● Aug. 8, 2021
In a sports hall, aspiring officers are handcuffing each other and learning how to escape headlocks, part of their 13 weekends of basic training.
From The Guardian ● May 23, 2020
The lack of transparency, Michelman said, “fuels community distrust, so when the cops are handcuffing kids, the reaction from the community is understandably suspicious.”
From Washington Post ● Apr. 26, 2019
