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
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
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican known for emphasizing public safety and fiscal restraint, made the pledge to appeal to New York City residents who may consider relocating to Long Island if the Democratic frontrunner takes City Hall, Blakeman's spokesman told the New York Post.
—
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
The organization defines restraint as staff using their bodies in ways that prevent patients from moving, such as by pinning them down or maneuvering their arms into positions that make resistance painful.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
Greece, which saw its debt ratio balloon above 200% during the COVID-19 crisis, has cut it almost in half through spending restraint and tax reforms.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
If diplomatic assurances succeed in inducing mutual restraint, and 2027 passes without incident, then a new stability in the western Pacific could take hold, anchoring the security and prosperity of a vital and dynamic region.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
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Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
The organization defines restraint as staff using their bodies in ways that prevent patients from moving, such as by pinning them down or maneuvering their arms into positions that make resistance painful.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
Greece, which saw its debt ratio balloon above 200% during the COVID-19 crisis, has cut it almost in half through spending restraint and tax reforms.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
If diplomatic assurances succeed in inducing mutual restraint, and 2027 passes without incident, then a new stability in the western Pacific could take hold, anchoring the security and prosperity of a vital and dynamic region.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restraint. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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)
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