Main Entry: ²limit

Function: transitive verb

Date: 14th century

1 : to assign certain limits to : prescribe <reserved the right to limit use of the land>
2 a : to restrict the bounds or limits of <the specialist can no longer limit himself to his specialty> b : to curtail or reduce in quantity or extent <we must limit the power of aggressors>

— lim·it·able \-mə-tə-bəl\ adjective

— lim·it·er noun

synonyms limit, restrict, circumscribe, confine mean to set bounds for. limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go <visits are limited to 30 minutes>. restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary <laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press>. circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries <the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed>. confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering <our choices were confined by finances>.