restrict

American  

[ri-strikt] / rɪˈstrɪkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to confine or keep within limits, as of space, action, choice, intensity, or quantity.

   Synonyms:

   obstruct, impede, hinder, hamper, block, check, abridge, restrain, limit, confine, circumscribe

   Antonyms:

   surpass, exceed

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restrict British  

/ rɪˈstrɪkt /

verb

1. (often foll by to) to confine or keep within certain often specified limits or selected bounds

   to restrict one's drinking to the evening

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Other Word Forms

• derestrict verb (used with object)
• nonrestricting adjective
• overrestrict verb (used with object)
• prerestrict verb (used with object)
• restricter noun
• restrictor noun

Etymology

Origin of restrict

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin restrictus “drawn back, tightened, bound, reserved,” adjective use of past participle of restringere “to bind back, bind fast”; restrain

Example Sentences

In court filings, county attorneys representing the Sheriff’s Department argue that several of the documents — such as FBI policies and internal procedures and training methods — are “sensitive and restricted.”

From Los Angeles Times

After a handful of high-profile defaults, investors are pulling so much money out of industry funds that managers are restricting withdrawals.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted, with persistent attacks continuing to disrupt the region.

From The Wall Street Journal

Locking money into a restricted account felt like voluntarily returning to the kind of financial straitjacket they just escaped, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Beck also voluntarily forfeited and cancelled 392,155 restricted stock units.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• curb
• decrease
• define
• diminish
• hamper
• impede
• inhibit
• limit
• narrow
• reduce
• regulate
• restrain
• shorten