handcuff

[hand-kuhf]

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.

Origin of handcuff

First recorded in 1635–45; hand + cuff¹

Related formsun·hand·cuff, verb (used with object)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

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Examples from the Web for handcuffs

Contemporary Examples

“Defendant moved his hands in a manner so as to avoid the application of handcuffs to his wrists,” the complaint says.
Protesters Slimed This Good Samaritan Cop
Michael Daly
December 16, 2014
He had been left hanging, by handcuffs and not allowed to lower his arms for 22 hours each day for two consecutive days.
Inside the CIA’s Sadistic Dungeon
Tim Mak
December 9, 2014
Whenever I left the room I had ear muffs, handcuffs and a blindfold placed upon me.
What It’s Like to Be Snatched by the Delta Force
Michael Daly
October 9, 2014
“While in the building, I was kept on a hard floor in handcuffs and in leg irons,” he says.
What It’s Like to Be Snatched by the Delta Force
Michael Daly
October 9, 2014
“[I] had ear muffs placed over my ears, my eyes were blindfolded, and I was placed in handcuffs,” he reports.
What It’s Like to Be Snatched by the Delta Force
Michael Daly
October 9, 2014

Historical Examples

They had at the time two or three of his neighbours in handcuffs as prisoners.
A Sketch of the Life of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion
William Dobein James
The girl shook the links of the handcuffs in a gesture stronger than words.
Within the Law
Marvin Dana
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
"Come along," said the impassive Stoliker, taking the handcuffs from his pocket.
In the Midst of Alarms
Robert Barr
Stoliker slipped the handcuffs into his pocket again, and mounted his horse.
In the Midst of Alarms
Robert Barr

British Dictionary definitions for handcuffs

handcuff

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

Word Origin and History for handcuffs

handcuff

n.

1640s as a decorative addition to a sleeve; 1690s as a type of restraining device, from hand (n.) + cuff (n.). Old English had hondcops "a pair of hand cuffs," but the modern word is a re-invention. The verb is first attested 1720. Related: Handcuffed; handcuffing.

handcuff

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Related Words

Examples from the Web for handcuffs

Contemporary Examples

“Defendant moved his hands in a manner so as to avoid the application of handcuffs to his wrists,” the complaint says.

He had been left hanging, by handcuffs and not allowed to lower his arms for 22 hours each day for two consecutive days.

Whenever I left the room I had ear muffs, handcuffs and a blindfold placed upon me.

“While in the building, I was kept on a hard floor in handcuffs and in leg irons,” he says.

“[I] had ear muffs placed over my ears, my eyes were blindfolded, and I was placed in handcuffs,” he reports.

Historical Examples

They had at the time two or three of his neighbours in handcuffs as prisoners.

The girl shook the links of the handcuffs in a gesture stronger than words.

I do not object in the least to the handcuffs; and, if you are dying to handcuff somebody, handcuff me.

"Come along," said the impassive Stoliker, taking the handcuffs from his pocket.

Stoliker slipped the handcuffs into his pocket again, and mounted his horse.

handcuff

Word Origin and History for handcuffs

handcuff

n.

Origin of handcuff