Straightjacket

C1 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /streɪtˌdʒækɪt/

Definitions of straightjacket

noun a garment shaped like a jacket with long sleeves that is used to bind the arms tightly against the body as a means of restraining a violent person

Example Sentences

A1 The straightjacket was used to restrain the patient.

A2 He felt like he was trapped in a straightjacket with all the rules and regulations.

B1 The straightjacket was securely fastened around the arms and chest of the prisoner.

B2 The mental health facility had to resort to using a straightjacket on the violent patient.

C1 The artist used the straightjacket as a symbol of confinement and restriction in his latest installation.

C2 The straightjacket represented the ultimate loss of freedom for the protagonist in the novel.

Examples of straightjacket in a Sentence

formal The patient was restrained in a straightjacket to prevent him from harming himself.

informal They had to put him in a straightjacket because he wouldn't stop moving around.

slang He felt like he was in a straightjacket with all the rules and regulations at work.

figurative The strict dress code felt like a straightjacket on her personal style.

Grammatical Forms of straightjacket

past tense

straightjacketed

plural

straightjackets

comparative

more straightjacketed

superlative

most straightjacketed

present tense

straightjackets

future tense

will straightjacket

perfect tense

have straightjacketed

continuous tense

is straightjacketing

singular

straightjacket

positive degree

straightjacket

infinitive

to straightjacket

gerund

straightjacketing

participle

straightjacketing

Origin and Evolution of straightjacket

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'straightjacket' originated from the combination of 'straight', meaning rigid or not bent, and 'jacket', referring to a garment worn on the upper body.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a garment with long sleeves that restrained the arms of individuals in mental institutions, the term 'straightjacket' has evolved to also symbolize any restrictive or confining situation or limitation.