noun

straitjacket

STRAYT-ja-kiht

Straitjacket (noun) means a restrictive garment with long sleeves that bind the arms across the body, used to stop someone from hurting themselves or others. Example: “The unruly patient was placed in a straitjacket.”

noun

A restrictive garment with long sleeves that bind the arms across the body, used to stop someone from hurting themselves or others.

"The unruly patient was placed in a straitjacket."

Anything that severely restricts freedom of action.

"The new regulations put local businesses in a financial straitjacket."

verb

To severely restrict or confine someone or something.

"Strict quotas straitjacketed the department's output."

How to use straitjacket

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA restraining garment for the arms, or figuratively, anything that boxes you in and limits what you can do.

Word forms

straitjacketed past tense, straitjackets plural, straitjackets singular

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The unruly patient was placed in a _____.

Etymology

From "strait" ("restrictive") plus "jacket."

Synonyms

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straightjacket

Rhymes for straitjacket

jacket racket packet bracket

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Frequently asked questions

What does “straitjacket” mean?

The word “straitjacket” means a restrictive garment with long sleeves that bind the arms across the body, used to stop someone from hurting themselves or others. In plain terms, a restraining garment for the arms, or figuratively, anything that boxes you in and limits what you can do.

How do you pronounce “straitjacket”?

“Straitjacket” is pronounced STRAYT-ja-kiht (/ˈstɹeɪtˌd͡ʒækɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “straitjacket” in a sentence?

Here is “straitjacket” used in a sentence: “The unruly patient was placed in a straitjacket.”

What part of speech is “straitjacket”?

Depending on how it is used, “straitjacket” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “straitjacket” have?

“Straitjacket” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a restrictive garment with long sleeves that bind the arms across the body, used to stop someone from hurting themselves or others.