Straitjacket (Noun)
Meaning 1
Anything immaterial that severely hinders or confines; "they defected because Russian dance was in a straitjacket"; "the government is operating in an economic straitjacket".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The outdated corporate culture was a straitjacket that stifled innovation and creativity among employees.
- The overly complex bureaucratic system was a straitjacket that hindered the organization's ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances.
- The government's strict licensing requirements were a straitjacket that prevented new businesses from entering the market.
- The rigid traditional values were a straitjacket that limited the artist's ability to express herself freely.
- The lack of funding was a straitjacket that severely constrained the research team's ability to conduct meaningful experiments.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
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.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The nurse struggled to put the straitjacket on the agitated patient, who was flailing his arms wildly.
- The hospital staff had to use a straitjacket to restrain the violent man who was threatening to harm others.
- After the patient's outburst, the doctor ordered that he be placed in a straitjacket to prevent him from causing harm.
- The security guards were trained in the use of straitjackets to subdue and transport violent inmates.
- The use of straitjackets has been controversial in psychiatric care, with many arguing that it is a form of inhumane restraint.