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noun Uncommon

handcuffs

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Handcuffs (noun) means a pair of metal restraints joined together, locked around a person's wrists. Example: “The suspect was led away in handcuffs.”

noun
1
A pair of metal restraints joined together, locked around a person's wrists.
"The suspect was led away in handcuffs."
2
Any restriction that severely limits someone's freedom of action.
"The new rules put handcuffs on what regulators could actually do."
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The suspect was led away in _____.

Etymology

From hand + cuff, first recorded in this form around 1775.

· First attested 1775

Class of 1775 handcuffs joined the language around 1775.
See the full Class of 1775 →
manacles shackles

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “handcuffs” mean?
The word “handcuffs” means a pair of metal restraints joined together, locked around a person's wrists.
How do you use “handcuffs” in a sentence?
Here is “handcuffs” used in a sentence: “The suspect was led away in handcuffs.”
What is another word for “handcuffs”?
Words with a similar meaning to “handcuffs” include manacles and shackles.
What part of speech is “handcuffs”?
“Handcuffs” is a noun.
Where does the word “handcuffs” come from?
The word “handcuffs” dates back to around 1775. From hand + cuff, first recorded in this form around 1775.
Is “handcuffs” a common word?
“Handcuffs” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “handcuffs” have?
“Handcuffs” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a pair of metal restraints joined together, locked around a person's wrists.

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