restraint

restraint

noun

Definition of RESTRAINT

1

the checking of one's 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>

Synonyms continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression

Related Words command, control, mastery, possession; self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower; composure, self-poise, self-possession; aloofness, detachedness, distance; bashfulness, modesty, shyness; reticence, silence, taciturnity

Near Antonyms self-abandonment, uninhibitedness; unrestrainedness; gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence; bluntness, candor, frankness; immoderacy, intemperance

Antonyms disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

2

something that limits one's freedom of action or choice <civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights>

Synonyms check, circumscription, condition, constraint, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, stricture

Related Words exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings; ban, prohibition, proscription

Near Antonyms freedom, latitude

3

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions <he shows very little restraint or tact when expressing his opinions about others>

Synonyms continence, restraint, self-command, self-containment, self-control, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, self-possession, self-restraint, willpower

Related Words self-abnegation, self-denial, self-deprivation; moderateness, moderation, temperance, temperateness; determination, nerve; command, control, discipline, mastery; abnegation, abstention, avoidance, eschewal, forbearance; abstinence, soberness, sobriety; aplomb, assurance, composure, confidence, coolness, equanimity, poise, self-confidence; discretion

Near Antonyms gratification, indulgence, self-indulgence; excessiveness, immoderacy, intemperance, intemperateness, overindulgence; demerit, failing, fault, feebleness, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness; indiscipline, unconstraint, unreserve, unreservedness, unrestraint