restraint

American  

[ri-streynt] / rɪˈstreɪnt /

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:

   incarceration, imprisonment, restriction, circumscription

   Antonyms:

   liberty

5. constraint or reserve in feelings, behavior, etc.

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restraint British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• overrestraint noun
• prerestraint noun

Etymology

Origin of restraint

1350–1400; Middle English restreinte < Middle French restrainte, noun use of feminine past participle of restraindre to restrain

Example Sentences

And the lack of churn has also been credited to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who by most accounts has enforced significant restraint from a famously chaotic leader.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

It requires restraint, patience and a willingness to confront ideas that don't affirm one’s own perspective.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Dr Frank Slokan led the development of restraint reduction within the SPS and has written a PHD on the subject.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Investors would do well to remember that in contested transactions, restraint can generate as much long-term value as expansion.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

‘Kymopoleia, when Gaia rules, you will rage and storm without restraint!’

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

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