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English Lexicon

Handcuffs

/ˈhænd.kʌfs/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #4500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A pair of lockable metal rings linked by a short chain, used for securing a prisoner's wrists.

    "The police officer placed the suspect in handcuffs before leading him to the patrol car."
  2. 2

    Restraints or limitations metaphorically imposed on freedom of action or progress.

    "The strict regulations act as handcuffs on the startup's ability to innovate rapidly."
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Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Old English 'handcyle' or 'handcosp', combining 'hand' and 'cosp' (fetter, shackle). Historically evolving from Germanic roots denoting a band or fastening for the wrists, the term has been standard in legal and criminal justice contexts for centuries.

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