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

An amateur magician himself, Carson possessed a quick and cutting wit, but in keeping it restrained, he clarified his greatest gift.

From New York Times

Police said on Tuesday that the charges had been expanded to include "maltreatment" in close relationships and "another violation" of a restraining order against the same victim.

From BBC

And there are no signs that the Biden administration will move to restrain Israel in the coming weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

"We had situations where he’d cling to lampposts, climb on the roof, and we’d have to restrain him several times a day."

From BBC

No longer restrained by the need to get elected or fear for his freedom, he can do anything.

From Salon

Related Words

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