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

That is said with a firm recognition and respect for the writers’ restraint in that department – an easy edit given the deep bench of seasoned performers in its cast.

From Salon

In my March report on the sprawling network of ex-evangelicals and other anti-fundamentalism activists, the experts repeatedly emphasized that, within purity culture, responsibility for sexual restraint is put mostly and often wholly on the shoulders of women and girls.

From Salon

Although Baker sits on the left flank of the court, she identified as the true judicial conservative on the campaign trail, promoting restraint and respect for the will of the people.

From Slate

“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

Related Words

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