1. a garment with long sleeves that can be tied together to restrict the movement of someone's arms, used to restrain people who might harm themselves or others
2. something that severely limits freedom of action, expression, or development
Usage: figurative

1. to put someone in a straitjacket
2. to severely restrict someone's freedom of action or expression
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The patient was placed in a straitjacket for safety reasons.
• The hospital staff carefully removed the straitjacket once he had calmed down.
• The new regulations are a straitjacket on small businesses.
• She felt that her job was a creative straitjacket.
• The committee decided to straitjacket the proposal with numerous restrictions.
• Don't let fear straitjacket your ambitions.
• The company's rigid policies straitjacket employee innovation.