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

• check
• circumscription
• condition
• constraint
• curb
• fetter
• limitation
• restraint
• stricture

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

Joyce said the restrictions should be broader and include more areas with apartment buildings and condominiums. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2024

And among those, practitioners who focus on additive behaviors, such as eating more fiber or vegetables, rather than food restriction, are far more likely to have your health (and not your clicks) in mind. —Desiree Nielsen, Bon Appétit, 26 Apr. 2024

Their supporters in Congress have pressed the administration to end the freeze, vowing to overturn any new restrictions on such exports. —David Kocieniewski / Bloomberg, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024

International destinations, Florida destinations, and Las Vegas have additional booking restrictions. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2024

Harris announced a new rule from the Small Business Administration that lifts some restrictions on loans for people with criminal records. —Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024

Meanwhile, the explosive attention from the expulsions of two young Black Democratic lawmakers resulted in retaliatory restrictions on how long certain House members could speak during legislative debates and limitations on seating inside the public galleries. —Kimberlee Kruesi, Quartz, 25 Apr. 2024

One theory is that, on a cellular level, calorie restriction makes animals more resilient to physical stressors. —Dana G. Smith Dana G. Smith, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2024

There are two types of reservations, Sunrise and Daytime, with varying restrictions. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024

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

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