restraining order

noun

1
: a preliminary legal order sometimes issued to keep a situation unchanged pending decision upon an application for an injunction
2
: a legal order issued against an individual to restrict or prohibit access or proximity to another specified individual

Examples of restraining order in a Sentence

The judge issued a restraining order.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At that point, the government sought a temporary restraining order to involuntarily monitor, hydrate and feed Asadi Eidivand. Jimmy Jenkins, USA Today, 27 June 2025 The ruling is yet another setback for the labor unions, which first brought their suit in February and have been twice denied temporary restraining orders. Miriam Waldvogel, The Hill, 27 June 2025 The judge also granted a temporary restraining order forcing Stockdale to turn over all necessary records and documents, and barring the real estate investment firm and its partners or affiliates from interfering with the receiver’s work. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025 Waymo has tried, and so far failed, to get a restraining order against Stacker One. Nick Watt, CNN Money, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for restraining order

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restraining order was in 1780

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restraining order.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restraining%20order. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

restraining order

see order sense 3b

More from Merriam-Webster on restraining order

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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