Definition

A type of clothing made of strong material that is used to restrain a person's arms, often used in mental health facilities to prevent them from harming themselves or others.

Example

The patient was placed in a straightjacket for their own safety during the crisis.

Conversation

Did you hear about that artist who painted while wearing a straightjacket?

No way, that sounds wild! What was the idea behind it?

It was meant to symbolize feeling trapped in society.

That’s really interesting! I wonder how it affected their creativity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Straightjacket → It is formed from "straight" (from Old English *streht*, meaning not bent or curved) and "jacket" (from Old French *jaquette*, meaning a small coat). The word "straightjacket" refers to a coat designed to keep a person straight and restrained, typically used in mental health settings.

Memory Tip

Think of something that keeps you 'not bent' ('straight') and 'coated' ('jacket') — that's why a straightjacket is a restraint that keeps someone straight.

Visually Confused Words