Definition

1. Noun:

   • A restraint device: A "handcuff" is a metal loop, typically one of a pair, designed to lock around a person's wrist to prevent the use of their hands, used especially by law enforcement.

2. Verb:

   • To restrain with handcuffs: To apply handcuffs to someone's wrists to confine or arrest them.
   • To restrict or hinder: To restrain or impede someone or something as if using handcuffs, often in a figurative sense.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The officer removed the handcuff from one wrist to allow the suspect to sign the document.
  • Standard police equipment includes a pair of handcuffs.

• Verb:

  • The police will handcuff the individual before placing them in the patrol car.
  • Excessive regulations can handcuff innovation and creativity within a company.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in handcuffs": to be restrained by having handcuffs on one's wrists.

  • The suspect was led away in handcuffs.

• "to put/place handcuffs on someone": to apply handcuffs to a person.

  • The detective placed handcuffs on the individual after reading their rights.

Variants and Related Words

• Handcuffed (adj/verb, past tense): Describes the state of being restrained with handcuffs or the act of having applied them.

  • The handcuffed prisoner was escorted to the courtroom.

• Handcuffing (gerund/noun): The act of applying handcuffs.

  • The handcuffing of the suspect was captured on video.

Synonyms

• Noun: Manacle, shackle, cuff, fetter.
• Verb: Manacle, shackle, restrain, fetter.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Handcuff to: To secure a person with handcuffs to a fixed object or another person.
  • For safety, the officer handcuffed the detainee to the bench.

Related Idioms

• "With one hand tied behind one's back" / "Handcuffed" (figurative): To be severely restricted in one's ability to act or perform.
  • The team felt handcuffed by the strict budget and couldn't pursue the project effectively.

Noun

1. shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs

Verb

1. confine or restrain with or as if with manacles or handcuffs
   • The police handcuffed the suspect at the scene of the crime