Handcuffs: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in law enforcement when someone is being restrained by the police.

• The police officer placed handcuffs on the suspect's wrists.
• She could feel the cold metal of the handcuffs tightening around her arms.

A broader term that can refer to any kind of device used to limit movement. Used in both legal and medical contexts, among others.

• The prisoner was put in restraints to prevent him from escaping.
• The patient was placed in soft restraints to ensure their safety.

Often refers to heavy restraints used on ankles and wrists, typically associated with historical contexts or more severe imprisonment settings.

• The prisoner walked slowly, the heavy shackles around his ankles clinking with each step.
• Shackles were used to bind the captives during transport.

A more informal or general term that can refer to handcuffs or something used to secure wrists. Sometimes used in fashion to describe the end part of a sleeve.

• The police officer clicked the cuffs around his wrists.
• She wore a jacket with fancy cuffs.

Used in law enforcement to temporarily restrain a person's wrists, typically when someone is under arrest or being detained.

• The police officer placed the suspect in handcuffs
• The criminal was led away in handcuffs after the trial

A general term that refers to any device or method used to limit someone's movement or control their behavior. Often used in medical, legal, or safety contexts. Can also refer to emotional or psychological control.

• The patient was given restraints to prevent self-harm
• The hostages were kept in restraints until the operation ended

Typically denotes chains or shackles used to bind the ankles, and is often associated with historical or archaic contexts. Can have a metaphorical use for restricting freedom.

• The prisoner was placed in fetters
• The book describes how slaves were bound in fetters

An informal or shortened term for handcuffs, often used in casual conversation. It can also refer to the end parts of sleeves but in this context, it means handcuffs.

• The officer quickly snapped the cuffs on the thief
• He was taken to the station in cuffs

Used primarily in law enforcement to physically restrain a person's hands. Commonly associated with police, security personnel, or situations involving detention.

• The police officer put handcuffs on the suspect.
• The security guard used handcuffs to detain the trespasser.

A general term that means to hold back, control, or prevent someone from doing something. Not limited to physical restraint; can also refer to emotional or mental control.

• The officer had to restrain the suspect to prevent him from escaping.
• She needed to restrain her emotions to stay calm.

Typically refers to metal restraints for the ankles or wrists, often connected by a chain. Can also be used metaphorically to describe something that restricts freedom.

• The prisoners were shackled during transport.
• Debt can shackle a person for life.

Can refer to either a type of physical restraint similar to handcuffs or the end part of a sleeve around the wrist. More commonly used informally to mean being hit or struck, particularly around the ears.

• The sleeves have buttoned cuffs.
• He was lightly cuffed by his older brother.