What does "handlock" mean?
A locking mechanism that operates by hand.
Handlock
noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A locking mechanism that operates by hand.
- Grammar: handlock is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: cuff, finger lock, hand-operated lock, handcuff.
- Useful contrasts: electronic lock, escape, release hold.
- Usage evidence: This efficient assembly is mounted on anti-vibration points, and handlocks enable the trolley to be rigidly fixed in pre-set and intermediate focusing positions.
How to use "handlock"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "handlock" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "handlock" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "handlock" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "handlock" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "handlock" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "cuff" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "handlock", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A locking mechanism that operates by hand.
"This efficient assembly is mounted on anti-vibration points, and handlocks enable the trolley to be rigidly fixed in pre-set and intermediate focusing positions."
- 2 shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs wordnet
- 3 A restraint that attaches to the wrist, especially a shackle or handcuff.
"Hugh MacGerrald, being duly sworn and examined, deposeth that he was apprehended by William Graeme, the Provost Marshal, who kept him seven days in his custody, tied with a handlock, and two several times the said Graham threatened to hang this examt. if he would not do service against Phelim MacPheagh, one time sending for a ladder, and another time shewing a tree, whereupon he would hang him and the ropes and withes, but the examt. making protestation of having no matter to lay to the said Phelim's charge did choose rather to suffer than to impeach him without a cause."
- 4 A hold for restraining another person by immobilizing their hand.
"Lisa gets me in a handlock and starts to kiss me."
- 5 Immobilization of the hand.
"Typical hypnotic phenomena such as handlock, involuntary body immobility, and selective amnesia were produced by direct suggestion alone, without trance induction, although trance subjects showed more of the phenomena."
Verb
- 1 To restrain with, or as with, a handlock.
"With respect to the discipline of the place, there appeared to be but little coercion: two patients only were manacled to their beds, and four were handlocked; the two that were manacled to their beds, and the four that were handlocked, had merely been so, according to the statement of the Keeper, for a few hours, the two in their beds having had, it being a remarkably hot day, a great accession of fever."
- 2 To lock by means of a handlock.
"She turns, and closes, and handlocks the door."
- 3 To restrain by holding so as to immobilize the hand.
"'Vanity of vanities,' said Holdenough, smiling kindly at the same time, and still holding his recovered friend's arm inclosed and handlocked in his."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"This efficient assembly is mounted on anti-vibration points, and handlocks enable the trolley to be rigidly fixed in pre-set and intermediate focusing positions."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "handlock"?
Common synonyms include: cuff, finger lock, hand-operated lock, handcuff, manacle, manual lock.
How do you use "handlock" in a sentence?
This efficient assembly is mounted on anti-vibration points, and handlocks enable the trolley to be rigidly fixed in pre-set and intermediate focusing positions.
Etymology
From hand + lock.