What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
handcuffed
Example
The suspect was handcuffed and taken into custody. [handcuffed: past participle]
Example
The police officer handcuffed the suspect before putting him in the car. [handcuffed: verb]
shackled
Example
The prisoner was shackled and led to his cell. [shackled: past participle]
Example
The protestors were shackled and taken away by the police. [shackled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Handcuffed is more commonly used than shackled in everyday language. Handcuffed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shackled is more specific to the criminal justice system and legal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between handcuffed and shackled?
Both handcuffed and shackled are associated with formal and legal contexts, but shackled is generally considered more formal and specific to the criminal justice system.
