restraint

[ ri-streynt ]
/ rɪˈstreɪnt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR restraint ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a restraining action or influence: freedom from restraint.
Sometimes restraints. a means of or device for restraining, as a harness for the body.
the act of restraining, holding back, controlling, or checking.
the state or fact of being restrained; deprivation of liberty; confinement.
constraint or reserve in feelings, behavior, etc.

Origin of restraint

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

OTHER WORDS FROM restraint

o·ver·re·straint, noun pre·re·straint, noun

Words nearby restraint

restr., restrain, restrained, restrainer, restraining order, restraint, restraint of trade, restraint order, restrict, restricted, restricted class

Words related to restraint

control, restriction, constraint, self-restraint, moderation, caution, self-discipline, embargo, prohibition, reduction, limit, ban, curb, self-possession, coolness, self-denial, coercion, self-government, repression, compulsion

Example sentences from the Web for restraint

British Dictionary definitions for restraint

restraint
/ (rɪˈstreɪnt) /

noun

the ability to control or moderate one's impulses, passions, etc to show restraint
the act of restraining or the state of being restrained
something that restrains; restriction

Word Origin for restraint

C15: from Old French restreinte, from restreindre to restrain

Medical definitions for restraint

restraint
[ rĭ-strānt′ ]

n.

An instrument or a means of restraint to prevent the infliction of harm to self or others, such as a straightjacket.
Control or repression of feelings; constraint.