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
With the world facing profound suffering and division, moral voices calling for peace, restraint and sanctity of human life deserve to be protected and amplified, not condemned.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Initially, the couple was arrested on charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree unlawful restraint, intentional cruelty to persons, risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit risk of injury to a minor.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
When lighting an outdoor space, restraint is essential, Boutlier says.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026
Because once that restraint is gone, the integrity of the system goes with it.
—Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Initially, the couple was arrested on charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree unlawful restraint, intentional cruelty to persons, risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit risk of injury to a minor.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
When lighting an outdoor space, restraint is essential, Boutlier says.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026
Because once that restraint is gone, the integrity of the system goes with it.
—Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restraint. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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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