straitjacket

Meanings

Plural: straitjackets

Noun

• anything immaterial that severely hinders or confines
  • "they defected because Russian dance was in a straitjacket"
  • "the government is operating in an economic straitjacket"
• a garment similar to a jacket that is used to bind the arms tightly against the body as a means of restraining a violent person
• A jacket-like garment with very long sleeves which can be secured in place, thus preventing the wearer from moving his or her arms. Often used in psychiatric hospitals to prevent patients from injuring themselves or others.
• Any situation seen as confining or restricting.

Verb

• To put someone into a straitjacket.
• To restrict the freedom of, either physically or psychologically.

Synonyms

jacket, straightjacket, straitwaistcoat

Related Words

strait-laced