What does handcuff mean?
A handcuff is a metal restraint designed to fit around a person's wrist, usually as one of a pair. The related verb means to restrain someone by fastening handcuffs around their wrists, commonly during an arrest or other lawful detention. In everyday language, the plural handcuffs is more usual than the singular when referring to the restraints as equipment. Handcuff also carries a firm association with law enforcement, detention, and criminal justice, although restraints of this kind have other legal and security uses. In figurative speech, the verb can describe placing a person under tight control or making it difficult for them to act independently. The word is transparent in its formation: hand identifies the restrained body part, while cuff refers to a band encircling the wrist. It is therefore especially useful in contexts involving arrest, restraint, custody, and personal freedom.
A rigid metal restraint that fits around a person's wrist, normally used as one of a pair to hold someone in custody.
"The suspect was searched and handcuffs were placed on his wrists."
The singular can refer to an individual restraint, but plural handcuffs is the usual collective form.
To restrain or arrest someone by fastening handcuffs around their wrists.
"Officers handcuffed the man after taking him into custody."
The verb is common in law-enforcement, news, and general narrative contexts.
The plural is usual when referring to the matched pair of wrist restraints, although the singular is grammatically correct for one restraint.
"The officers put the detained man in handcuffs before taking him to the station."
A handcuff is named for the body part it restrains: its adjustable metal band fits around the wrist like a cuff.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does handcuff come from?
Handcuff is an English compound formed from hand and cuff and has been attested since the 16th century. Cuff is related through Old French to coif, both ultimately referring to forms of head or wrist covering, although handcuff developed its own specialized meaning. The verb meaning to restrain or arrest with handcuffs became established during the 19th century.
Related word forms
How handcuff is actually used
The noun is commonly used in the plural, especially when referring to a complete pair of restraints. As a verb, handcuff often means to arrest or restrain someone and can sound slightly informal when compared with formal terms such as arrest or apprehend.
Easily confused with handcuff
A handcuff is a restraint fitted around a person's wrist, whereas a shackle is a broader term for a metal restraint that may secure a wrist, ankle, or other part of the body.