restraint

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noun re·straint \ ri-ˈstrānt \

Definition of restraint

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

See restraint defined for English-language learners

See restraint defined for kids

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 of restraint from the Web

Super-juicy, clearly local, sweet-tart blackberries — just four nice big ones, a classic exercise in proportion-restraint — formed the heart of a seasonal Danish; the barely lacquered, golden-brown exterior of the pastry made a lovely contrast.

— bethany jean clement, The Seattle Times, "Bakery turnover: Two top Seattle spots change hands," 24 Aug. 2017
The 30-way (Yes, that’s three-oh) multicontour front seats with thigh extender and head restraint are worth the $1,500 price tag.

— scott sturgis, Philly.com, "The new Lincoln Continental: roomy, comfy and sporty?," 18 Aug. 2017
The Macron changes would help employers set the rules on hiring and firing, ignore the crippling restraints in the code that discourage taking on new workers, and limit unions’ ability to get in the way.

— adam nossiter, New York Times, "Macron Takes On France’s Labor Code, 100 Years in the Making," 4 Aug. 2017
The pacy wide-man was originally keen on a permanent move to Fenerbahce, but financial fair play restraints mean that Besiktas are the club able to offer a return to Istanbul.

— SI.com, "Besiktas Reach Agreement With Sunderland Over Transfer of Winger Jeremain Lens," 30 July 2017
Russia, China Russia and China, which is North Korea’s closest ally and accounted for nearly 90 percent of its $6 billion trade last year, urged restraint and renewed dialogue in a joint statement after the missile test.

— ilya arkhipov, Bloomberg.com, "Putin Puts North Korea Ties Before Missile Threat," 25 July 2017
Due to parking restraints, Mouron said no retail besides the Wolf Camera building will be included in the project.

— erin edgemon, AL.com, "Hilton-brand hotel proposed for downtown Homewood to be redesigned," 19 July 2017
The rest of the details—from the flat but conservatively tapered handlebars to the custom wraparound fenders to the teardrop cutouts in the chainring—are an exercise in restraint, classicism, and good taste.

— rene chun, WIRED, "Review: Stromer ST1 X," 15 July 2017
But freedoms come with responsibilities, and, on occasion, some judicious self-restraint.

— kevin gover, Smithsonian, "The Washington Football Team Can Legally Keep Its Racist Name. But It Shouldn’t," 13 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of restraint

Middle English, from Anglo-French restreinte, from restreindre

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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restraint Synonyms

Synonyms

continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, constraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression

Antonyms

disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Near Antonyms

self-abandonment, uninhibitedness; unrestrainedness; gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence; bluntness, candor, frankness; immoderacy, intemperance

RESTRAINT Defined for English Language Learners

restraint

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noun

Definition of restraint for English Language Learners

: a way of limiting, controlling, or stopping something
: a device that limits a person's movement
: control over your emotions or behavior

RESTRAINT Defined for Kids

restraint

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noun re·straint \ ri-ˈstrānt \

Definition of restraint for Students

1 :the act of stopping or holding back :the state of being stopped or held back

2 :a force or influence that stops or holds back

3 :control over thoughts or feelings

You're angry, but show restraint.

Medical Dictionary

restraint

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noun re·straint \ ri-ˈstrānt \

medical Definition of restraint

:a device that restricts movement

restraints such as straitjackets for violent patients

Law Dictionary

restraint

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noun re·straint \ ri-ˈstrānt \

legal Definition of restraint

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)

Learn More about restraint

See words that rhyme with restraint Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for restraint Spanish Central: Translation of restraint Nglish: Translation of restraint for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of restraint for Arabic speakers

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Origin and Etymology of restraint

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RESTRAINT Defined for English Language Learners

restraint

Definition of restraint for English Language Learners

RESTRAINT Defined for Kids

restraint

Definition of restraint for Students

Medical Dictionary

restraint

medical Definition of restraint

Law Dictionary

restraint

legal Definition of restraint

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