restrain

1 of 2

verb

re·​strain ri-ˈstrān 

restrained; restraining; restrains

transitive verb

1

a

: to prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something

restrained the child from jumping

I wanted another piece but somehow restrained myself.

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

ri-ˈstrā-nə-bəl 

adjective

restrainer noun

restrainer

2 of 2

noun

re·​strain·​er

-nə(r)

plural -s

: one that restrains

especially : a chemical (as potassium bromide) used to retard the action of a photographic developer especially on unexposed silver salts

Synonyms of restrain

Verb

• regulate
• control
• contain
• curb
• keep
• stifle
• suppress

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of restrain in a Sentence

Verb

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 on the Web

Verb

Of the many cruel aspects of slavery, the shackles used to restrain and dehumanize more than12 million Africans across three centuries may be the most visceral tangible reminder. —Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

He was apprehended by military police after being restrained and disarmed by fellow soldiers. —CBS News, 18 June 2026

Harvey also has a case pending at the Department of Justice, alleging a district south of Denver restrained and secluded disabled students hundreds of times, even though the practice is supposed to be reserved for emergencies. —CNN Money, 18 June 2026

Remarkably, state law also severely restrains cities and counties from setting their own regulations, giving local leaders little sway over local gun policies. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for restrain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

restrain

verb

re·​strain ri-ˈstrān 

1

a

: to prevent from doing something

b

: to keep back : curb

restrain one's anger

c

: to limit or keep under control

restrain trade

2

: to take away liberty

especially : to place under arrest or restraint

restrainable

-ˈstrā-nə-bəl 

adjective

restrainer noun

Legal Definition

restrain

transitive verb

re·​strain ri-ˈstrān 

1

a

: to prevent from doing something see also restraining order at order sense 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