restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

1

: something that restricts: such as

a

: a regulation that restricts or restrains

restrictions for hunters

b

: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility

2

: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Synonyms of restriction

• limitation
• constraint

Examples of restriction in a Sentence

Building in that area came with some restrictions.

They placed restrictions on smoking indoors.

They will lift export restrictions.

illegal restriction of free speech

Recent Examples on the Web

But some, including Huang, have been critical of tight export controls to China in the past, saying such restrictions have only boosted innovation in China. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026

In addition, the new law will allow parents to sign off on their children receiving a substitute for milk due to dietary restrictions because of disability. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026

Lemon8 has since complied with age restriction requirements after self-assessing that it should be included in the ban, according to The West Australian. —Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026

Thanks to their short shaft, these boots can be worn with any kind of pants without restriction—from bootcut jeans and wide-leg travel pants to leggings and joggers. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English restriccioun, from Anglo-French restriction, from Late Latin restriction-, restrictio, from Latin restringere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing restriction

• restriction enzyme
• restriction fragment length polymorphism

Rhymes for restriction

• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• nonfiction
• prediction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction

Kids Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

1

: something (as a law or rule) that restricts

2

: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Medical Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

often attributive

: the breaking of double-stranded DNA into fragments by restriction enzymes

restriction sites

Legal Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion

1

: something that restricts: as

a

: a regulation that restricts or restrains

b

: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility

2

a

: an act of restricting

b

: the state of being restricted