restrictive

[ ri-strik-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending or serving to restrict.
2. of the nature of a restriction.
3. expressing or implying restriction or limitation of application, as terms, expressions, etc.
4. Grammar. limiting the meaning of a modified element: Compare descriptive ( def 2b ).

   a restrictive adjective.

restrictive

/ rɪˈstrɪktɪv /

adjective

1. restricting or tending to restrict
2. grammar denoting a relative clause or phrase that restricts the number of possible referents of its antecedent. The relative clause in Americans who live in New York is restrictive; the relative clause in Americans, who are generally extrovert , is nonrestrictive

Derived Forms

• reˈstrictively, adverb
• reˈstrictiveness, noun

Other Words From

• re·strictive·ly adverb
• re·strictive·ness noun
• unre·strictive adjective
• unre·strictive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of restrictive¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French restrictif < Latin restrict ( us ) ( restrict ) + Middle French -if -ive

Example Sentences

Mr Miller is best known for shaping some of Trump's most restrictive policies on illegal immigration during his first term.

From BBC

During the Republican primaries this year, Trump sought to take credit for nominating the conservative Supreme Court justices who enabled states to pass restrictive abortion laws.

From Los Angeles Times

A failed measure in South Dakota, where abortion is banned, would have allowed the procedure up to 12 weeks, which is considered restrictive in other states.

From Los Angeles Times

Florida voters declined to reinstate abortion rights into the state's Constitution on Tuesday, leaving in place restrictive six-week abortion ban that makes it nearly impossible to get an abortion in the South.

From Salon

In August, he told NBC he would vote to extend Florida’s restrictive six week ban.

From Salon

Related Words

• definitive
• exclusive
• selective