restrain

verb re·strain \ ri-ˈstrān \

|Updated on: 8 Jul 2018

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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

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restrainable

play \ri-ˈstrā-nə-bəl\ adjective

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restrainer

noun

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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

Unlike traditional computers, which are made of bits restrained to values of zero or one, a quantum computer would allow bits to have both values simultaneously, which would lead to much faster, more powerful processing.

— rachel gutman, The Atlantic, "Could Quantum Computing Be the End of Free Will?," 30 June 2018
San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Groch dismissed another seven counts against Dorado, agreeing with defense lawyers that there was no proof certain victims had been restrained or assaulted by force.

— pauline repard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "La Jolla restaurant owner ordered to trial in sexual assaults of 8 women," 28 June 2018
While Ozil headed towards the tunnel he was greeted with verbal abuse from a supporter which prompted the 29-year-old to respond before being restrained and led away by Germany's goalkeeper coach Andreas Kopke.

— SI.com, "Mesut Ozil Involved in Verbal Dispute With Angry German Fans Following World Cup Exit," 28 June 2018
There should be a healthy debate about the travel ban, the president's controversial approach to immigration, and the court's role in either enabling or restraining Trump policies.

— howard kurtz, Fox News, "Media frowning in disapproval as high court upholds Trump travel ban," 28 June 2018
For the Phillies, the operating policy should continue to be restrained opportunism.

— david murphy, Philly.com, "Phillies' best trade policy is still restrained opportunism | David Murphy," 27 June 2018
The last witness was Mercedes Romero, the manager at the Crosby Highway Denny's who saw most of the altercation, and testified that Thompson had the upper hand and was trying to do more than just restrain Hernandez.

— brian rogers, Houston Chronicle, "Jurors in Houston choking trial deliberating a range of options," 22 June 2018
In this compact, restrained and ultimately devastating book, Sheffer does just that.

— kate tuttle, latimes.com, "Hans Asperger's complex Nazi history," 15 June 2018
The lawsuit said Latino children were frequently punished by being restrained for hours in chairs, with handcuffs and cloth shackles on their legs.

— michael biesecker, chicagotribune.com, "Beatings, bags over their heads, racial slurs: Young migrants detained in Virginia allege abuse in lawsuit," 21 June 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.