Handcuff — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf/ hand·cuff

Meaning & Definition of Handcuff

Handcuff (noun)

  1. a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening —usually used in plural

Handcuff (verb)

  1. to apply handcuffs to, manacle
  2. to hold in check, make ineffective or powerless

Handcuff (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that physically prevents free movement

    "the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs"

    similar: band, bind, bond, bracelet, chain, cuff(s), fetter, irons, ligature, manacle(s), shackle
    related: captivity, confinement, constraint, curb, enchainment, enslavement, hindrance, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, restraint, restriction, entanglement, net, trammel, trap, collar, straitjacket, fastener, hobble, hold, hold-down, holding, tie

Handcuff (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to confine or restrain with or as if with chains

    "wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father"

    similar: bind, chain, enchain, enfetter, fetter, gyve, manacle, pinion, shackle, trammel
    related: bit, hobble, hog-tie, iron, lash, secure, tie, truss, attach, fasten, join, link, confine, constrain, curb, hamper, hinder, impede, limit, restrict, entangle, tangle
    opposite: unbind, unfetter, unshackle
    near: emancipate, free, liberate, loose, release, rescue, undo, unfasten, untangle, untie, detach, disengage

  2. to create difficulty for the work or activity of

    "the fear that the new mandatory, standardized tests will handcuff the state's teachers, who will have to specifically tailor their lesson plans for the test"

    similar: clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel, cramp one's style, give a hard time
    related: balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie, arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard, barricade, block, blockade, roadblock, bog (down), mire, choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate, baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart, derail, disrupt, sabotage, muzzle, repress, suppress, confine, hedge (in), hem (in)
    opposite: aid, assist, facilitate, help
    near: clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, free, liberate, release, untie, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Handcuff

The most common words with a similar meaning to Handcuff:

band, bind, bond, bracelet, chain, cuff(s), fetter, irons, ligature, manacle(s), shackle, enchain, enfetter, gyve, manacle, pinion, trammel, clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), obstruct, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, cramp one's style, give a hard time

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Handcuff

Words with the opposite meaning of Handcuff:

unbind, unfetter, unshackle, aid, assist, facilitate, help

Related Words for Handcuff

captivity, confinement, constraint, curb, enchainment, enslavement, hindrance, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, restraint, restriction, entanglement, net, trap, collar, straitjacket, fastener, hold, hold-down, holding, tie, bit, iron, lash, secure, truss, attach, fasten, join

Near Antonyms of Handcuff

emancipate, free, liberate, loose, release, rescue, undo, unfasten, untangle, untie, detach, disengage, clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop, loosen, smooth, encourage, further, promote

Word Forms of Handcuff

Inflections: handcuffed, handcuffing, handcuffs

Origin & Etymology of Handcuff

First known use: 1649

Frequently Asked Questions about Handcuff

What does "Handcuff" mean?

"Handcuff" means a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening —usually used in plural. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a metal fastening that can be locked around a wrist and is usually connected by a chain or bar with another such fastening —usually used in plural. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Handcuff"?

Other words for "Handcuff" include band, bind, bond, bracelet, chain, cuff(s), fetter and irons. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Handcuff" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Handcuff"?

There are 110 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Handcuff". Common alternatives include band, bind, bond, bracelet, chain, cuff(s), fetter, irons, ligature and manacle(s).

What is the opposite of "Handcuff"?

Antonyms of "Handcuff" include unbind, unfetter, unshackle, aid, assist, facilitate and help. Near antonyms include emancipate, free, liberate and loose.

How do you use "Handcuff" in a sentence?

Examples of "Handcuff" in a sentence: "the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs"; "wanted to take the trip, but was handcuffed by her responsibility to watch her ailing father"; "the fear that the new mandatory, standardized tests will handcuff the state's teachers, who will have to specifically tailor their lesson plans for the test".

Is "Handcuff" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Handcuff" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Handcuff"?

"Handcuff" is pronounced /ˈhan(d)-ˌkəf/ and divided into syllables as hand·cuff.

What is the origin of the word "Handcuff"?

First known use: 1649.