WordGarden.iohandcuff
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈændkʌf/
US
- /ˈhændˌkəf/
Meanings
Noun
a metal wrist restraint, usually one of a pair used by police
Verb
to fasten handcuffs on someone
to restrict or limit someone's freedom or ability to act
Beyond the definition
Handcuffs aren't just something you see in police dramas. They are a pair of metal rings connected by a chain or hinge, used to hold a person's wrists together, usually after an arrest. Think of them as a temporary way to limit movement so police can keep control and move someone safely. But "handcuff" can also be used in a figurative way. If you feel handcuffed by rules or duties, it means you are restricted and cannot act freely. You might say someone is "handcuffed" by debt, meaning their money choices are limited.
The image is clear: two wrists locked together. However, the power of the word lies in its ability to show both physical restraint and the feeling of being trapped or controlled. You might read about a politician being "handcuffed" by campaign promises, unable to change course even if they want to.
Handcuffs are restraining devices used by law enforcement to secure a person's wrists together, limiting movement and keeping the person in custody during an arrest or while being transported. They are usually made of metal and lock with a key. The image is iconic, instantly bringing to mind crime shows, courtroom dramas, and real-life arrests.
However, "handcuff" extends beyond its literal meaning. It is often used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone feels restricted, limited, or controlled. For example, "He felt handcuffed by his responsibilities at work" means he was tied down and unable to pursue other opportunities. Similarly, saying "The company was handcuffed by outdated regulations" suggests it was held back from changing or improving.
Historically, restraints have been used for centuries, from simple ropes and chains to the more secure devices we know today. Modern handcuff designs developed through the 19th and 20th centuries and became a standard tool for police forces around the world.
So, whether you are picturing a physical restraint on the wrists or feeling metaphorically bound by circumstances, "handcuff" speaks to limits, both real and perceived, and to the loss of freedom that comes with them. It is a word that carries weight, representing control, security, and sometimes injustice.
Examples
- 1
Police arrest
The officers led the man out in handcuffs.
- 2
Police procedure
He was handcuffed before the officers put him in the car.
- 3
Physical restraint
They handcuffed him to a chair while they questioned him.
- Patternhandcuff someone to + object
lock them to that thing with handcuffs
- 4
Public spending
Strict spending limits have handcuffed the city's schools.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Contract limits
She felt handcuffed by the terms of the contract.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- release
- uncuff
Used with (collocations)
- handcuff a suspect
- handcuff someone behind their back
- handcuff someone to something
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- handcuffverbnoun
Forms
- handcuffsverbnoun
- handcuffedpast tenseverbnoun
- handcuffing-ing formverbnoun