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Handcuff definition

hăndkŭf
handcuffed handcuffs
See word origin
Frequency:
To put handcuffs on (a person).
verb
1
0
To restrain or render ineffective.
verb
1
0
To check or hinder the activities of.
verb
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0
A restraining device consisting of a pair of strong, connected hoops that can be tightened and locked about the wrists and used on one or both arms of a prisoner in custody.
noun
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One ring of a locking fetter for the hand or one pair.
noun
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0
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To apply handcuffs to; to manacle. - Hay (1754)
verb
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(figuratively) To restrain or restrict.

Dang, I’m handcuffed by these regulations. I’d like to help but it’d be illegal.

verb
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Either of a pair of connected metal rings that can be locked about the wrists, as in restraining a prisoner.
noun
0
1
To put handcuffs on; manacle.
verb
0
1

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
handcuff
Plural:
handcuffs

Origin of handcuff

  • Possibly influenced by Old English handcops, from hand + cops (“fetter, chains”), but due to lack of continuity (centuries between Old English and modern term), generally analyzed as a re-invention.

    From Wiktionary

  • 1775, from hand +‎ cuff (“end of shirtsleeve”).

    From Wiktionary

Handcuff Sentence Examples

  • Dean could hear him jump up and he felt the left handcuff being unfastened and a key being pressed into his hand.

  • He was behind Dean and before Dean could realize what was happening, Winston grabbed his right arm and with a quick metallic click Dean was securely fastened to the brass bedpost by a steel handcuff.

  • This "handcuff" move, if not released before the match timer reached zero, would effectively freeze the game, forcing players to physically reset the machine.

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Words near handcuff in the Dictionary