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
Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Jordan failed the tests and the cops put him in handcuffs.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
The inmate, Salvador Saucedo, has red hair and tattoos and isn't handcuffed.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Noun
Carpenter also added more theatrics, by bestowing a pair of fuzzy pink handcuffs to an excited Brown.
—Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Jordan failed the tests and the cops put him in handcuffs.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
O’Neal Payne was handcuffed behind his back by three deputies who first entered his cell at the Clark County Jail in Vancouver on Aug. 13, 2021, to collect his food trays, the lawsuit says.
—Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
The inmate, Salvador Saucedo, has red hair and tattoos and isn't handcuffed.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
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The conflicting stances put the Trump administration in a bind, legal experts say.—
Avi Asher-Schapiro,
ProPublica,
20 Feb. 2025
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Recommended Peace Jordan in a bind: What to offer Trump instead of taking in Gaza refugees?—
Alfredo Sosa,
The Christian Science Monitor,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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This comes a few days after Adebayo recorded the 221st double-double of his NBA career in Friday’s win over the Toronto Raptors to tie Rony Seikaly’s record for the most double-double performances in Heat history.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2025
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In 2024, Maryland tied for No. 128 nationally in sacks and tied for 71st in tackles for loss.—
Grace Raynor,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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However, any individual who impedes law enforcement operations, potentially threatening the safety of law enforcement agents and subjects of their investigations, is subject to investigation and potential prosecution by the Department of Justice.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
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Without such reform, unmanageable debt will continue to impede these countries from investing in domestic green industrial strategies or in other measures to prevent and respond to climate, health, and other emergencies.—
Mariana Mazzucato,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
List of Changes to Starbucks Founded in 1971 in Seattle, Starbucks is the world's largest coffeehouse chain.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Michael’s and Hobby Lobby are the major craft chains; Hobby Lobby also has a limited selection of fabrics.—
Bay Area News Group,
The Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Limiting the federal funding would hamper Medicaid's ability to help states during difficult economic times, when demand for coverage rises with falling employment and incomes, while states also have fewer tax dollars to spend.—
Phil Galewitz,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2025
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Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Russian President Vladimir Putin deliberately hindered international rescue efforts after the Kursk submarine sank in 2000 in order to protect his country's nuclear secrets, Bill Clinton has alleged.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
24 Feb. 2025
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Automated feedback tools can further enhance engagement by providing instant responses to students, eliminating delays that traditionally hinder progress.—
Balaji Soundararajan,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Butler, fresh off inking a two-year contract extension upon joining the Warriors and free from the indefinite suspension the Heat shackled him with for a pattern of conduct detrimental to the team, has his joy back.—
Danny Emerman,
The Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2025
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Floridians remain largely shackled to an antiquated system that prioritizes profits over the interests of everyday consumers.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The rest would sooner expect the AfD to embarrass Germany than to save it.—
Simon Shuster/Berlin,
TIME,
22 Feb. 2025
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The rapper has famously pressed people (and embarrassed them) regarding giving him monies owed on social media.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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