Handcuffs dream meaning is explained below using 16 different sources. Each interpretation is shown with its source.

Interpretation 1 — Dr. Mıchael Lennox

Handcuffs are used to bind someone in order to restrict their movements, usually in the case of criminal activity. In this way, they connect symbolically to this sense of restriction and the inhibition of freedom, but also to the consequences of behaviors and choices you may have made that have resulted in such restriction. There is a secondary meaning to handcuffs as paraphernalia in sexual play where this type of binding is considered erotic.

If the latter is the case, you may want to investigate whether sexual issues are inhibiting your freedom.

Source: Complete Dictionary of Dreams • Author: Dr. Mıchael Lennox

Interpretation 2 — Gustavus Hindman Miller

To find yourself handcuffed, you will be annoyed and vexed by enemies.

To see others thus, you will subdue those oppressing you and rise above your associates.

To see handcuffs, you will be menaced with sickness and danger.

To dream of handcuffs, denotes formidable enemies are surrounding you with objectionable conditions.

To break them, is a sign that you will escape toils planned by enemies.

Source: Ten Thousand Dream Interpretation • Author: Gustavus Hindman Miller

Interpretation 3 — Pamela Ball

1- Dreaming of being in handcuffs denotes that we have been restrained in some way. often by an authority figure.

2- If we are putting handcuffs on someone, we may be attempting to bind that person to us. We may be being overly possessive.

3- Handcuffs are a binding symbol and spiritually would suggest that we are being hampered, probably by our own doubts and fears.

Source: Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary • Author: Pamela Ball

Interpretation 4 — Versatile - Anonymous

Material aspects: Dreaming of being in handcuffs denotes that we have been restrained in some way, possibly by an authority figure. We may ourselves feel that we need to be more circumspect. ‘Joke’ handcuffs are often taken as symbols of marriage or committed partnership. In dreams their deeper meaning may signal some doubts about the relationship.
Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile • Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 5 — Ella Freeman Sharpe

Apart from a dream of occupation such as an officer of the law, the handcuffs denote rigid ties that are unbearable to the dreamer.

The officers naturally dream of their work a great many times.

If the dreamer breaks open the handcuffs or is released from them, the stigma of mental incarceration will be removed.

Source: Psycho Dream Interpretation • Author: Ella Freeman Sharpe

Interpretation 6 — Michael and Elizabeth Thiessen

If you find yourself handcuffed in a dream this shows that you will be beset by enemies.

If you see a pair of handcuffs this will show that there is a possible illness for you in the near future.

If you see someone else handcuffed then you will overcome all your enemies and win out.

Source: Encyclopedia of Dreams • Author: Michael and Elizabeth Thiessen

Interpretation 7 — Stearn Robinson - Tom Corbett

Unlike tied hands, a dream of being handcuffed is an omen of contrary and promises a release from worry.

To see others handcuffed signifies security and protection, and to snap them on someone in your dream predicts an unexpected improvement in your lifestyle.

Source: The Complete Guide to Interpreting Your Dreams • Author: Stearn Robinson - Tom Corbett

Interpretation 8 — Joan Seaman - Tom Philbin

1. Feelings of powerlessness; feeling trapped or re­strained.

2. Strong feelings of guilt—usually over a lost temper, often over past misdeeds.

3. Reverse: obstacles will be overcome, prosperity achieved.

4. A possible brush with the law is in the offing.

Source: New American Dream Dictionary • Author: Joan Seaman - Tom Philbin

Interpretation 9 — Versatile - Anonymous

Psychological / emotional perspective: If we are putting handcuffs on someone, we may be attempting to bind that person to us and assert our supremacy over them or what they represent in the dream. We may be being overly possessive.
Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile • Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 10 — myjellybean

If you dream of being in handcuffs, you will have trouble in a real life situation that you wish you could get out of.

If you dream of escaping from handcuffs, it means others will follow your lead. Also see “Arrested.”

Source: My Dream Interpretation • Author: myjellybean

Interpretation 11 — Dream Explanations - Anonymous

Dreams of handcuffs are about restraint, punishment, control, restriction, and holding back. You are grappling with feelings of guilt and shame.

See Prison.

Source: Strangest Dream Explanations • Author: Dream Explanations - Anonymous

Interpretation 12 — Versatile - Anonymous

Handcuffs are a binding symbol and spiritually would suggest that we are being hampered, probably by our own doubts and fears.
Source: Dream Meanings of Versatile • Author: Versatile - Anonymous

Interpretation 13 — Gillian Holloway

You will be likely to find yourself rtw strained by circumstances you cannot control if you dream of wearing handcuffs.
Source: The Complete Dream Book • Author: Gillian Holloway

Interpretation 14 — Raymond Buckland

Your hands are tied! There is something you really want to do, but you are being prevented from doing it.
Source: Gypsy Dream Dictionary • Author: Raymond Buckland

Interpretation 15 — Tyler Wolfe

Symbolic of the power to bind or stop certain actions or behavior, Matt. 16:19
Source: Christian Dream Symbols • Author: Tyler Wolfe

Interpretation 16 — Internet Archive - Anonymous

This is a dream of contrary—good fortune awaits you.
Source: Mystic Dream Book • Author: Internet Archive - Anonymous