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: imprisonment, incarceration, 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 Words From

• over·re·straint noun
• prere·straint 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 time of European restraint and the hope that the USA would protect us is over,” she said.

From Salon

Unless someone has something on him that's so devastating that it will destroy him, he is completely without restraint.

From Salon

Lights could prove a non-invasive means of shark restraint, unlike nets or drones, they added.

From BBC

The Fiscal Council had noted that ministers could choose to exercise pay restraint, but that would be "unpopular and difficult".

From BBC

So the 2026 congressional election may be the strongest restraint on what Trump can do — and that campaign is already underway.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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