straitjacket

English

noun
Definitions
  • 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.
  • (figurative) Any situation seen as confining or restricting.

Etymology

Affix from English strait + English jacket.

Origin

English

jacket

Gloss

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