handcuff

[ hand-kuhf ]

/ ˈhændˌkʌf /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR handcuff ON THESAURUS.COM

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: The police put handcuffs on the suspect.

verb (used with object)

to put handcuffs on.

to restrain or thwart (someone) by or as if by handcuffing: The amendments handcuffed the committee and prevented further action.

Nearby words

handclap, handclasp, handcraft, handcrafted, handcraftman, handcuff, handed, handedness, handel, handel, george frederick, handfast

Origin of handcuff

First recorded in 1635–45; hand + cuff¹

Related forms

un·hand·cuff, verb (used with object)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for handcuff

Tihen had insisted he was in her lap as she struggled to handcuff him.
From Ferguson Cop Embroiled in a Brutality Suit to City Councilwoman|Michael Daly|August 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But she surprised these cops just as she had the officers back in December, when she managed to wiggle free of a handcuff.
In Months Before Wild Capitol Scene, Miriam Carey Battled Psychosis|Michael Daly|October 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
There are psychological chains and restraints that are so much stronger than any steel chain or handcuff.
For the Cleveland Kidnapping Victims, a Tragic Sisterhood|Christine Pelisek|May 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Police say that Thomas resisted arrested, so they had to handcuff her and forced her to the ground.
In Los Angeles, Questions of Police Brutality Dog LAPD|Christine Pelisek|November 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Court documents say she was nude with a handcuff still attached to her wrist.
He Wanted to Kill 50 Women|Barbie Latza Nadeau|August 18, 2010|DAILY BEAST
This time there was no doubt it came from the brief case chained to his handcuff.
And Then the Town Took Off|Richard Wilson
I have been obliged now and then to handcuff a friend who was so modest as to wish to withdraw.
Lords of the World|Alfred John Church
We might handcuff them all without the slightest difficulty.
Will Weatherhelm|W.H.G. Kingston
Andy, I do not wish Mr. Parks to know anything about that handcuff affair of mine.
Airship Andy|Frank V. Webster
I do not object in the least to the handcuffs; and, if you are dying to handcuff somebody, handcuff me.
In the Midst of Alarms|Robert Barr

British Dictionary definitions for handcuff

handcuff

/ (ˈhændˌkʌf) /

verb

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

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

handcuff

noun

verb (used with object)

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of handcuff

Related forms

Examples from the Web for handcuff

British Dictionary definitions for handcuff

handcuff

verb

noun