Entry Word: restraint

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the checking of oneʼs true feelings and impulses when dealing with others <it will take a great deal of restraint to keep from telling her how ugly that dress is> — see constraint 1
2 something that limits oneʼs freedom of action or choice <will have to place restraints on who can and canʼt go to the basketball game Thursday> — see restriction 1
3 the power to control oneʼs actions, impulses, or emotions <very young children donʼt seem to have any restraint and will say anything that pops into their heads> — see will 1