Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Straitjacket Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงฅ
Add to dictionary

straitjacket

[หˆstreษชtหŒdส’รฆkษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

restraint clothing

A straitjacket is a garment shaped like a jacket with long sleeves that can be fastened in the back to restrain a person's arms and body, typically used in psychiatric hospitals or prisons to prevent self-harm or escape.

Synonyms

restraint jacket, strait vest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
straitjacket

Commonly used in medical or psychiatric contexts to describe a garment used to restrain patients who are experiencing severe mental health crises or violent behavior. It can also be used metaphorically to describe any restrictive situation.

  • The patient was placed in a straitjacket for his own safety.
  • The rigid rules of the company felt like a straitjacket to the creative team.
restraint jacket

This term is more technical and specific, often used in medical or correctional settings when referring to any type of jacket used to restrain an individual. It is less common in everyday speech.

  • The nurse carefully fastened the restraint jacket on the agitated patient.
  • The inmate was put into a restraint jacket after his behavior became uncontrollable.
strait vest

An alternative term for a straitjacket, but is less commonly used. Mainly appears in specific texts or historical contexts.

  • In the old asylum, the use of the strait vest was a daily occurrence.

Examples of usage

  • The patient was placed in a straitjacket to prevent them from harming themselves.
  • The criminal was restrained in a straitjacket to prevent any further violent outbursts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Originally, straitjackets were used in asylums and mental hospitals to restrain patients who posed a danger to themselves or others.
  • Modern psychology favors using less restrictive methods when addressing mental health crises, highlighting the evolution in treatment approaches.

Pop Culture

  • Straitjackets often appear in magic acts, where performers escape from them to create suspense and show off their skills.
  • Films and TV shows frequently use straitjackets to symbolize a character's instability or as a dramatic plot device.

Safety and Regulation

  • Today, the use of straitjackets is heavily regulated and often replaced with more humane forms of restraint.
  • In some cases, straitjackets are still used in extreme situations to prevent harm, but their application is rare and controversial.

Historical Context

  • During the early 20th century, straitjackets were often associated with the stigma around mental illness and the treatment of individuals.
  • They were once a common sight in psychiatric treatments before the introduction of more compassionate and effective therapies.

Origin of 'straitjacket'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'straitjacket' combines 'strait' (meaning narrow or tight) and 'jacket', indicating its constricting nature.
  • The word has roots in the early 19th century, evolving from similar terms used in the context of mental health and restraint.

The term straitjacket originated in the early 19th century, combining the words 'strait' meaning tight or constricted, and 'jacket'. It has been used historically as a method of restraining individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others. While controversial in its use, the straitjacket has been a symbol of mental health treatment and confinement.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,360 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.