Straitjacket

C1 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /streɪtˌdʒækɪt/

Definitions of straitjacket

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 He was restrained in a straitjacket.

A2 The patient was put in a straitjacket to prevent him from harming himself.

B1 The use of straitjackets in mental health facilities has been a topic of debate.

B2 The straitjacket was securely fastened around the man's arms and chest.

C1 The straitjacket was a last resort for the violent patient.

C2 The doctor carefully removed the straitjacket from the patient, ensuring his safety.

Examples of straitjacket in a Sentence

formal The patient was restrained in a straitjacket to prevent any self-harming behavior.

informal They had to put him in a straitjacket because he was getting too rowdy.

slang They really need to loosen up that straitjacket, it's way too tight.

figurative Being stuck in a job you hate can feel like wearing a mental straitjacket.

Grammatical Forms of straitjacket

plural

straitjackets

comparative

more straitjacket

superlative

most straitjacket

present tense

straitjackets

future tense

will straitjacket

perfect tense

have straitjacketed

continuous tense

is straitjacketing

singular

straitjacket

positive degree

straitjacket

infinitive

to straitjacket

gerund

straitjacketing

participle

straitjacketed

Origin and Evolution of straitjacket

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'straitjacket' originated from the Middle English term 'stretjaket' which was derived from the Old French word 'estraite jacquet' meaning tight-fitting jacket.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a garment with tight-fitting sleeves that restrained the movement of a person, the term 'straitjacket' evolved to refer to a garment specifically designed to restrain the arms of individuals in psychiatric care or those deemed a danger to themselves or others.