restraint

[ri-streynt]

noun

1. a restraining action or influence.

   freedom from restraint.

2. Sometimes restraints. a means of or device for restraining, as a harness for the body.

3. the act of restraining, holding back, controlling, or checking.

4. the state or fact of being restrained; restrained; deprivation of liberty; confinement.

   Synonyms: incarceration, imprisonment, restriction, circumscription
   Antonyms: liberty

5. constraint or reserve in feelings, behavior, etc.

restraint

/ rɪˈstreɪnt /

noun

1. the ability to control or moderate one's impulses, passions, etc

   to show restraint

2. the act of restraining or the state of being restrained

3. something that restrains; restriction

Other Word Forms

• overrestraint noun
• prerestraint noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of restraint¹

1350–1400; Middle English restreinte < Middle French restrainte, noun use of feminine past participle of restraindre to restrain

Word History and Origins

Origin of restraint¹

C15: from Old French restreinte , from restreindre to _restrain

Example Sentences

"The people of Epping are under great strain. As schools return this week, I appeal to the protest organisers to show restraint and give our families and children some much needed respite."

From BBC

With many children returning to school for the first day of term on Wednesday, Conservative councillor Mr Whitbread urged potential protesters to show restraint as local people were "under great strain".

From BBC

Therapists, academics and social workers caution against physical restraint and say early intervention is preferable.

From BBC

"We hope the authorities act with restraint and prioritise de-escalation rather than confrontation."

From BBC

But there is the need for a little restraint because as breathtaking as her century was, she is still a long way from the finished article.

From BBC

Related Words

• ban 
• constraint 
• curb 
• embargo 
• limit 
• prohibition 
• reduction 
• restriction