restraint

noun

re·straint | \ri-ˈstrānt

Definition of restraint

1a : an act of restraining : the state of being restrained

b(1) : a means of restraining : a restraining force or influence

(2) : a device that restricts movement a restraint for children riding in cars

2 : a control over the expression of one's emotions or thoughts

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about restraint

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Examples of restraint in a Sentence

Make sure the child safety restraint is in place. The prisoner was placed in restraints. His angry response showed a lack of restraint. The government has acted with restraint in dealing with this crisis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Middle European restraint and quiet meticulousness versus Iberian bravado and passion. — Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "'Strokes of Genius' Documentary Commemorates the Iconic Federer-Nadal '08 Wimbledon Final," 26 June 2018 Without legal restraints, SWBTS is free not only to interpret the Bible in a way that emphasizes the submission of women, but to promote and enforce that doctrine on its campus. — Sarah Jones, The New Republic, "The Religious Right’s #MeToo Reckoning Is Coming," 30 May 2018 The design’s cohesion required multiple image boards and healthy self-restraint. — Danielle Fox, ELLE Decor, "A Feminine—And Feminist—Apartment in Hell’s Kitchen Goes Big," 21 May 2018 Regarding the first aspect, Muslims train themselves in self-discipline and self-restraint. — Said Ahmed-zaid, idahostatesman, "Finding purpose in fasting during Ramadan | Idaho Statesman," 21 May 2018 Freed of this restraint, the atoms naturally started to drift, causing the cloud to expand. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Clouds of atoms, vibrating mirrors show their quantum side," 28 Apr. 2018 The pilot, who wore a conventional quick-release restraint, survived, but the passengers had no easy way to free themselves. — Alex Davies, WIRED, "New FAA Rules Take Aim at Dangerous Helicopter Flights," 16 Mar. 2018 David, a burly, 6-foot-1-inch 20-year-old who spent most of his appointments with Aran wearing physical restraints, became gentle enough to hug his sister. — Debra Kamin, Newsweek, "Is Marijuana the World’s Most Effective Treatment for Autism?," 15 Feb. 2018 Judge Kavanaugh considers textualism to be an important restraint on judges that prevents them from imposing their policy preferences. — David B. Rivkin Jr. And Andrew M. Grossman, WSJ, "A Champion of Constitutional Safeguards," 9 July 2018

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