as in bind
usually handcuffs plural
something that physically prevents free movement
the man reluctantly held out his wrists so the policeman could snap on handcuffs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to bind
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to impede
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handcuff
Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
Royals’ video documents the moments after their initial contact, with Hardy in handcuffs.
—Nathan Pilling
updated July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Officials were able to extinguish the flames and handcuff the suspect, identified as Adam Lopez, 39.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
One officer took the 13-year-old to the ground and he was placed in handcuffs.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
Royals’ video documents the moments after their initial contact, with Hardy in handcuffs.
—Nathan Pilling
updated July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025
Verb
Shafir was handcuffed to the timekeepers table by Prince Nana.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Officials were able to extinguish the flames and handcuff the suspect, identified as Adam Lopez, 39.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
-
The commissioners’ 2024 decision to freeze property tax revenues left government departments in a bind this year, resulting in sweeping cuts to public services.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
17 July 2025
-
If landlords refuse, however, tenants are in a bind.—
Gabriel L. Schwartz,
The Conversation,
17 July 2025
Verb
-
This small, daily action, tied to a routine cue, builds consistency, reduces reliance on motivation and strengthens willpower over time.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Netflix still holds the record for most noms ever (160 in 2020) and is tied for most wins (44 in 2021, which CBS did in 1974).—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
-
Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The only remnants of the once thriving fast-casual chain restaurant are the imprints of large block letters that hung on the façade of the building, and a single, unused rotisserie.—
Lyndsay C. Green,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
-
The decision to expedite the full-time MBA program followed the standard campus approval chain, including the College of Business, Graduate Council and Faculty Senate, Toms said.—
Ryan Anderson,
Arkansas Online,
20 July 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
One of the central concerns is whether Trump administration cuts to the National Weather Service — the backbone of the country’s weather warning system — will hamper local governments and residents from staving off disaster when severe weather strikes.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Dry thunderstorms and gusty winds are hindering firefighting efforts and increasing fire risk.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Eaves, 49, walked into court on April 4, shackled and wearing an orange jumpsuit alongside other defendants awaiting their arraignments.—
Miguel Torres,
AZCentral.com,
3 July 2025
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From there, the judge was driven about a mile to the federal courthouse on East Wisconsin Avenue, where U.S. Marshals shackled her ankles and put her in a holding cell, the sources said.—
Cary Spivak,
jsonline.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
Manager Luis Enrique's side then embarrassed Inter Miami 4-0 in the round of 16 and survived two late red cards vs. Bayern Munich to win that quarterfinal battle 2-0. PSG vs. Real Madrid Injury, Suspension, Lineup News: Both teams will be missing key pieces along their back lines today.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
-
The Nuggets, like the current Rockies, were embarrassing themselves regularly before posting an 11-71 record.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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