noun
handcuff
HAND-kuhf
Handcuff (noun) means one of a pair of metal rings, usually joined by a chain, used to restrain a person's wrists. Example: “The officer slipped a handcuff onto the suspect's wrist.”
noun
1
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."
verb
1
To put handcuffs on someone, or figuratively, to severely restrict someone's freedom of action.
"Regulations have handcuffed small businesses trying to expand."
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Word forms
- Plural
- handcuffs
- Third person singular
- handcuffs
- Past tense
- handcuffed
Fill the gap
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The officer slipped a _____ 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.
Synonyms
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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.
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