How to pronounce straitjacket
Say it like STRAYT-jak-ut. Straitjacket has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STRAYT).
- STRAYT
- jak
- ut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Straitjacket pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- STRAYTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- jakGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- utKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of straitjacket
American and British speakers say straitjacket in essentially the same way: /ˈstreɪtˌdʒækət/ in the US and /ˈstreɪtˌdʒækɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: STRAYT-jak-it.
What does straitjacket mean?
- A jacketlike garment with very long sleeves which can be secured in place, thus preventing the wearer from moving their arms; often used in psychiatric hospitals to prevent patients from injuring themselves or others.
- Any situation seen as confining or restricting.“our ever-increasing bureaucratic straitjacket of regulations”
- To put someone into a straitjacket.
- To restrict the freedom of someone or something, either physically or psychologically.
Where does straitjacket come from?
From strait (“restrictive”) + jacket.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- straitwaistcoat
- jacket
- straightjacket
Questions about saying straitjacket
How do you pronounce straitjacket?
Say STRAYT-jak-ut. The American pronunciation is /ˈstreɪtˌdʒækət/. In British English it is /ˈstreɪtˌdʒækɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in straitjacket?
Straitjacket has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (STRAYT). Broken into parts: STRAYT · jak · ut.
Do Americans and Brits say straitjacket the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈstreɪtˌdʒækət/ and the British form is /ˈstreɪtˌdʒækɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.