restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

1

a

: 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 of restraint

• discipline
• repression
• inhibition
• suppression

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

King Charles' younger son, 41, initiated the litigation in October 2019, signaling a shift in his approach to the British press — a stark departure from the royal family’s historic restraint regarding media disputes. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

His record instead reflects restraint and deference to institutional legitimacy. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

The civil suit alleged the restraint lasted eight minutes. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025

Per state guidelines and Ohio Administrative Code, physical restraint must be used as a last resort and only when there is an immediate risk of physical harm to the student or others. —Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French restreinte, from restreindre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing restraint

• head restraint
• kept/placed under restraint
• passive restraint
• prior restraint
• self-restraint
• under restraint

Rhymes for restraint

• acquaint
• complaint
• constraint
• distraint
• enceinte
• repaint
• faint
• feint
• maint
• paint
• plaint
• quaint

Kids Definition

restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

1

: the act of restraining : the state of being restrained

held in restraint

2

: a restraining force or influence

3

: control over one's behavior

act with restraint

Medical Definition

restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

: a device that restricts movement

restraints such as straitjackets for violent patients

Legal Definition

restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

1

a

: an act or fact of restraining see also prior restraint

b

: the state of being restrained

2

a

: a means of restraining

b

: a device that restricts movement (as of prisoners or violent psychiatric patients)