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

Other Word Forms

• unhandcuff verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of handcuff¹

First recorded in 1635–45; hand + cuff ¹

Example Sentences

Avinatan Or was handcuffed and starved in a small cage, held alone for two years.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Volodymyr Zhuravlyov, who was brought to Warsaw District Court in handcuffs, was detained in Poland last month on a European arrest warrant.

Read more on BBC

The only clue Retes’ family had at first was a brief call he managed to make on his Apple Watch with his hands handcuffed behind his back.

Read more on Salon

Barghouti was allegedly handcuffed by the guards, put on the floor, kicked and beaten.

Read more on BBC

Several protesters were knocked to the ground and forcefully handcuffed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bind 
• frustrate 
• hamper 
• hamstring