restrain

verb re·strain \ ri-ˈstrān \

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: restrain in a Sentence

Definition of restrain

restrained; restraining; restrains

transitive verb

1 a : to prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something

restrained the child from jumping

b : to limit, restrict, or keep under control

try to restrain your anger

2 : to moderate or limit the force, effect, development, or full exercise of

restrain trade

3 : to deprive of liberty; especially : to place under arrest or restraint

—

restrainable

play \ri-ˈstrā-nə-bəl\ adjective

—

restrainer

noun

See restrain defined for English-language learners

See restrain defined for kids

Examples of restrain in a Sentence

He could not restrain the dog from attacking.
He could restrain himself no longer.
Hospital orderlies needed to restrain the patient.
He was restrained and placed in a holding cell.
He could barely restrain his anger.
The manufacturer took measures to restrain costs.

Recent Examples of restrain from the Web

In a turnabout, the State Council, China’s cabinet, stopped hectoring city halls and townships to restrain spending and instead last week launched an inspection to urge them to speed up already approved investment projects to re-energize growth.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Mnuchin is in denial about the pain Trump's tariffs are inducing," 13 July 2018
Kavanaugh has consistently ruled in favor of businesses and employers and for restraining government bureaucracy.

— michael kranish and ann e. marimow, BostonGlobe.com, "From Clinton to Trump: How Brett Kavanaugh navigated through some of Washington’s biggest scandals," 10 July 2018
The official soon rips off his shirt while being restrained.

— shotgun spratling, latimes.com, "AAU basketball game turns into brawl as players, refs trade punches," 9 July 2018
In a turnabout, the State Council, China’s cabinet, stopped hectoring city halls and townships to restrain spending and instead last week launched an inspection to urge them to speed up already approved investment projects to re-energize growth.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Mnuchin is in denial about the pain Trump's tariffs are inducing," 13 July 2018
The video shows the woman asking Connor to restrain the man who is bothering her.

— gregory pratt, chicagotribune.com, "Forest preserve officer who didn't help woman in Puerto Rican flag shirt 'tarnished the whole department with his failure to act,' commissioner said," 12 July 2018
In a turnabout, the State Council, China’s cabinet, stopped hectoring city halls and townships to restrain spending and instead last week launched an inspection to urge them to speed up already approved investment projects to re-energize growth.

— lingling wei, WSJ, "China’s Effort to Control Debt Loses Steam," 12 July 2018
DiLascio called the department for back up to get help with restraining a dog.

— kathleen joyce, Fox News, "Florida deputy hospitalized after homeless man allegedly releases pit bull on her," 10 July 2018
Kavanaugh has consistently ruled in favor of businesses and employers and for restraining government bureaucracy.

— michael kranish and ann e. marimow, BostonGlobe.com, "From Clinton to Trump: How Brett Kavanaugh navigated through some of Washington’s biggest scandals," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'restrain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of restrain

Middle English restraynen, from Anglo-French restreindre, from Latin restringere to restrain, restrict, from re- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

restrain Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of restrain

restrain, check, curb, bridle mean to hold back from or control in doing something. restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.