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

Under the Biden administration US influence in the region is seen to have waned with a White House largely ineffective at restraining its close ally, Israel, as it wages war in Gaza and Lebanon.

From BBC

It was sombre and restrained, yet powerfully emotional.

From BBC

A man found to have been repeatedly restrained and once detained for nearly five hours at his former school will receive £18,900 in damages.

From BBC

She filed a request for a temporary restraining order, alleging domestic violence, in L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Project 2025’s stance on nuclear weapons is a reminder of just how dangerous a president who refused to be restrained by law or precedent will be.

From Salon

Related Words

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