restrain

[ ri-streyn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to hold back from action; keep in check or under control; repress:

   to restrain one's temper.

   Synonyms: constrain, suppress, curb, control, bridle

   Antonyms: unbridle

2. to deprive of liberty, as by arrest or the like.

   Synonyms: hamper, hinder, circumscribe, restrict, imprison, confine

   Antonyms: release, liberate, free

3. to limit or hamper the activity, growth, or effect of:

   to restrain trade with Cuba.

restrain

/ rɪˈstreɪn /

verb

1. to hold (someone) back from some action, esp by force
2. to deprive (someone) of liberty, as by imprisonment
3. to limit or restrict

Derived Forms

• reˈstrainable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·straina·ble adjective
• re·straina·bili·ty noun
• re·straining·ly adverb
• over·re·strain verb (used with object)
• prere·strain verb (used with object)
• unre·straina·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of restrain¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English restreynen, from Middle French restreindre, from Latin restringere “to bind back, bind fast”; equivalent to re- + strain ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of restrain¹

C14 restreyne , from Old French restreindre , from Latin rēstringere to draw back tightly, from re- + stringere to draw, bind; see strain ¹

Synonym Study

See check ¹.

Example Sentences

It also claims the companies’ actions violated Colorado’s antitrust laws, which prohibit agreements that restrain competition.

From Salon

Their attempts to restrain themselves in the national fight and focus on the cost of living could be out the window by mid-January, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Judge Stephen T. Hicklin signed a restraining order Tuesday barring Willis from communicating with Porter and her children until a mid-December court hearing.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Wellings’ defence has claimed Ms Dawes’ accusations were either untrue or exaggerated, and any injuries she suffered before her death were either a result of his attempts to restrain her, or were accidental.

From BBC

However, he wrote that the four officers had instead restrained him by sitting on him, which worsened existing injuries to his back, ribs and stomach.

From BBC

Related Words

• confine
• constrain
• curb
• curtail
• detain
• deter
• govern
• hamper
• hinder
• inhibit
• keep down
• kill
• limit
• prevent
• repress
• restrict
• subdue
• suppress