handcuff

American  

[hand-kuhf] / ˈhændˌkʌf /

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 British  

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• unhandcuff verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of handcuff

First recorded in 1635–45; hand + cuff ¹

Example Sentences

A 17-year-old who died on the M5 after fleeing a stationary police car while handcuffed had tried to escape from vehicles before, a court has heard.

From BBC

On Monday morning, a handcuffed, jumpsuit-clad Nicholas Maduro stepped off a military helicopter in New York City, flanked by armed federal agents.

From BBC

It was on the ship that we got one of the defining pictures of the whole operation - Maduro in handcuffs, wearing ear protectors and a type of blindfold that looked like dark sunglasses.

From BBC

A photo circulated of a humiliated Mr. Maduro in a rumpled track suit and handcuffs in U.S. custody.

From The Wall Street Journal

In handcuffs, blindfolded and wearing a gray sweatsuit, he was on a U.S. warship, on his way to New York City to face narcoterrorism charges following a five-hour operation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bind
• frustrate
• hamper
• hamstring