- (transitive) to put handcuffs on (a person); manacle
- (plural) a pair of locking metal rings joined by a short bar or chain for securing prisoners, etc
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
hand•cuff /ˈhændˌkʌf/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
v. [ ~ + obj]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- a metal ring that can be locked around a prisoner's wrist, usually one of a pair connected by a chain or bar.
v. [ ~ + obj]
- to put handcuffs on:handcuffed the suspect to the door handle.
- to make ineffective or helpless:They feel handcuffed by so many restrictions.
hand•cuff
(hand′kuf′),USA pronunciation n.
v.t.
- a ring-shaped metal device that can be locked around a person's wrist, usually one of a pair connected by a short chain or linked bar;
shackle:The police put handcuffs on the suspect.
v.t.
- to put handcuffs on.
- to restrain or thwart (someone) by or as if by handcuffing:The amendments handcuffed the committee and prevented further action.
- hand + cuff1 1635–45
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
handcuff /ˈhændˌkʌf/ vb
'handcuffs' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
bracelets
- darbies
- golden handcuffs
- handcuff
- bondage
- bracelet
- cuff
- escape artist
- escapology
- manche
- nipper