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
Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
They are accused of beating him to death while he was handcuffed.
—James Barron, New York Times, 21 Feb. 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
Officers took the man into custody, handcuffing him and holding him on the ground.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
They are accused of beating him to death while he was handcuffed.
—James Barron, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for handcuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handcuff
Noun
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The number can fluctuate and still be manipulated if the team opts to restructure other players’ current contracts, which could grant Miami more room to operate in the short term but put the Dolphins in a bigger bind, piling on salary cap obligations in future seasons.—
David Furones,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2025
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That’s why Republicans find themselves in such a bind: Medicaid is really popular these days and most Americans — even Republicans living in red states — don’t want to lose it.—
Dylan Scott,
Vox,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But small businesses, unlike grocery shoppers, are tied to the market wholesale price, making these surging costs particularly devastating.—
Michael Pappano,
ABC News,
8 Mar. 2025
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Crow-Armstrong slugged two home runs Saturday against the Seattle Mariners, including a no-doubt grand slam to center field, part of his seven extra-base hits that are tied for the team lead.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 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
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Retail chain Joann is shutting down all of its fabric stores — including several Sacramento-area locations — after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and being sold to a new ownership group.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
26 Feb. 2025
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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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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.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
6 Mar. 2025
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This complexity hampers everything from vulnerability triage to compliance audits, ironically undermining the very protections these tools promise.—
Aviv Mussinger,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Hamby noted older teens in high school should be mindful of behaviors that hinder their personal growth.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN,
8 Mar. 2025
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CIOs and CTOs must be prepared to address the following: • Adoption Resistance: Employee apprehension about AI replacing jobs can hinder adoption.—
Mohit Gupta,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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After journeying to the U.S.-Mexico border near Tijuana to seek asylum, she and others in her group were shackled and flown to Panama.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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On the military plane ride from California to Panama, Mona, a 32-year-old Iranian Christian convert, said her 8-year-old son cried, terrified to see his parents shackled.—
Julie Turkewitz,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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And the All-Star game embarrassed everyone who has ever picked up a basketball.—
Troy Renck,
The Denver Post,
1 Mar. 2025
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Callers are encouraged to share details that range from embarrassing to criminal.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handcuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handcuff. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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