Definition

A type of garment that tightly binds the arms to the body, often used to restrain someone who is violent or a danger to themselves or others.

Example

The hospital staff put the patient in a straitjacket to prevent him from hurting himself.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new movie where they use a straitjacket to hold the main character?

Yeah, it sounds kind of intense!

I wonder how they make it look so realistic without actually using a real straitjacket.

Probably a lot of special effects and good acting!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To restrict or limit someone's actions or freedom, similar to how a straitjacket physically confines a person.

Example

The new rules will straitjacket the employees, making it hard for them to express their creativity.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I feel like my routine is starting to straitjacket my creativity.

I totally get that; sometimes we need to break free from our habits.

Exactly! It's like I'm stuck in a box and can't think outside of it.

Root Explanation

Straitjacket is formed from "strait" (from Old English *streht*, meaning narrow or tight) and "jacket" (from Old French *jaquette*, meaning a small coat). The word describes a narrow or tight coat used to restrain someone, typically in a mental health context.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'narrow' ('strait') coat ('jacket') that is used to restrain someone, which helps you remember that a straitjacket is a garment designed to keep someone tightly bound.

Visually Confused Words