What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
handcuff
Example
The police officer handcuffed the suspect and put him in the back of the patrol car. [handcuffed: past tense]
Example
The suspect resisted arrest and had to be handcuffed by the officers. [handcuff: verb]
shackle
Example
The prisoner was brought into the courtroom wearing shackles on his feet. [shackles: noun]
Example
The guards shackled the inmate's hands and feet before escorting him to his cell. [shackled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Handcuff is more commonly used than shackle in everyday language, especially in the context of law enforcement and crime. Shackle is less common and is mostly used in the context of detention and punishment.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between handcuff and shackle?
Both handcuff and shackle are formal words that are typically used in serious and professional contexts, such as law enforcement, criminal justice, and legal proceedings.
