restrain

verb re·strain \ ri-ˈstrān \

Definition of restrain

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 \-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

China has pledged to try to restrain North Korea's tests but also appealed to Trump to lower his aggressive rhetoric.

— mike james, USA TODAY, "In a first, North Korea fires ballistic missile over Japan," 29 Aug. 2017
Heat from the jalapeños is present yet pleasantly restrained, thanks to the labor-intensive deseeding process.

— jonathan wells, charlotteobserver, "Charlotte Beer: 101," 22 Aug. 2017
The officer then squats on Hubbard’s stomach and punches his face and head as another officer attempts to restrain Hubbard.

— veronica hilbring, Essence.com, "Video Shows White Cop Beating Black Motorist During Routine Traffic Stop," 16 Aug. 2017
Babb continued to struggle to stand, and police had to restrain him to keep him from trying to leave.

— justin l. mack, Indianapolis Star, "Local DJ arrested in OWI crash with Indy chef was 'belligerent, uncooperative' at scene," 8 Aug. 2017
The bill, which both imposes fresh sanctions on Russia and restrains Trump’s power to lift them, passed the House and the Senate with votes of 419 to 3 and 98 to 2, respectively—a significant rebuke just six months into his presidency.

— abigail tracy, The Hive, "Trump Silent as Russia Retaliates Against U.S. Sanctions Bill," 31 July 2017
The original Senate bill included reforms to Medicaid that would restrain spending.

— the editors, National Review, "The Republican Health-Care Fiasco," 29 July 2017
One man chased her car and was restrained by police.

— lisa miller, Daily Intelligencer, "Who Is Betsy DeVos?," 25 July 2017
He is accused of head-butting an officer who restrained him and was escorting him out of the building.

— david hernandez, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Inmates attack 3 officers, counselor at Donovan prison," 17 July 2017

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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restrain Synonyms

Synonyms

bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), control, rule, tame

Antonyms

lose

Related Words

bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow; arrest, interrupt, stop; block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct; gag, muzzle, silence

Near Antonyms

liberate, loose, loosen, unleash; air, express, take out, vent

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.

- restrained themselves from laughing

check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

- trying to check government spending

curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

- learn to curb your appetite

bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

- bridle an impulse to throw the book down

RESTRAIN Defined for English Language Learners

restrain

verb

Definition of restrain for English Language Learners

: to prevent (a person or animal) from doing something
: to prevent (a person or animal) from moving by using physical force
: to keep (something) under control

RESTRAIN Defined for Kids

restrain

verb re·strain \ ri-ˈstrān \

Definition of restrain for Students

restrained; restraining

1 :to keep from doing something

I wanted to speak, but restrained myself.

2 :to keep back :curb

He couldn't restrain his laughter.

Law Dictionary

restrain

transitive verb re·strain \ ri-ˈstrān \

legal Definition of restrain

1 a :to prevent from doing something — see also restraining order at order 3b

b :to limit, restrict, or keep under control

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

3 :to deprive of liberty and especially of physical movement

Learn More about restrain

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for restrain Spanish Central: Translation of restrain Nglish: Translation of restrain for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of restrain for Arabic speakers

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restrain

Definition of restrain

restrainable

restrainer

From the M-W Editors

Examples of restrain in a Sentence

Recent Examples of restrain from the Web

Origin and Etymology of restrain

restrain Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Synonym Discussion of restrain

RESTRAIN Defined for English Language Learners

restrain

Definition of restrain for English Language Learners

RESTRAIN Defined for Kids

restrain

Definition of restrain for Students

Law Dictionary

restrain

legal Definition of restrain

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