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

The evacuation and safety restrictions have disrupted nearby businesses, many of which are still closed, and vehicles remain in the parking garage. — Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 14 July 2026

According to the company, this helps lower latency, improve memory access and reduce energy consumption while easing dependence on the most advanced chipmaking technologies currently affected by US restrictions. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Whereas investment bankers tend to secure financing and bring on limited partners, lawyers navigate the intricacies of a league, organization or company’s rules and restrictions, draft agreements and typically lead deals to the finish line. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 13 July 2026

Goldman's 12-month target price for SNPS is $600, but its analysts highlighted potential downside risks including export restrictions, market share losses and fewer custom chip designs. — Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 13 July 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