Straitjacket
WordNet
noun
(1) 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
(2) Anything immaterial that severely hinders or confines
"They defected because Russian dance was in a straitjacket"
"The government is operating in an economic straitjacket"
WiktionaryText
English
Noun
- 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.
- A metaphor used to describe a range of situations seen as (unpleasantly?) confining or restricting
Synonyms
- strait waistcoat (dated)