handcuff
3 synonyms for handcuff, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — One of a pair of metal rings, usually joined by a chain, used to restrain a person's wrists.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
One of a pair of metal rings, usually joined by a chain, used to restrain a person's wrists.
“The officer slipped a handcuff onto the suspect's wrist.”
Etymology
From hand + cuff, likely a reinvention of an older Old English compound with a similar meaning, since the word disappears from records for centuries before resurfacing.
Full origin of handcuff →Frequently asked questions
What does “handcuff” mean?
The word “handcuff” means one of a pair of metal rings, usually joined by a chain, used to restrain a person's wrists.
How do you pronounce “handcuff”?
“Handcuff” is pronounced HAND-kuhf (/ˈhændˌkʌf/ in IPA).
How do you use “handcuff” in a sentence?
Here is “handcuff” used in a sentence: “The officer slipped a handcuff onto the suspect's wrist.”
What part of speech is “handcuff”?
Depending on how it is used, “handcuff” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “handcuff” come from?
The word “handcuff” comes from Old English. From hand + cuff, likely a reinvention of an older Old English compound with a similar meaning, since the word disappears from records for centuries before resurfacing.
How many meanings does “handcuff” have?
“Handcuff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of a pair of metal rings, usually joined by a chain, used to restrain a person's wrists.
