restrict

verb

re·​strict ri-ˈstrikt How to pronounce restrict (audio)
restricted; restricting; restricts

transitive verb

1
: to confine within bounds : restrain
2
: to place under restrictions as to use or distribution
Choose the Right Synonym for restrict

limit, restrict, circumscribe, confine mean to set bounds for.

limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

Examples of restrict in a Sentence

Her eye problem restricts her reading. She was told to restrict the amount of salt she uses. The new law restricts smoking in public places. They have accused the government of trying to restrict free speech. They say the government is trying to restrict them from speaking out.
Recent Examples on the Web In January — after Torrez’s lawsuit was filed and ahead of the Senate committee hearing on online youth safety — Meta rolled out additional youth safety features, including restricting adults over the age of 19 from messaging teens who don’t follow them. Clare Duffy, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 Bock critical of book bans in other districts While the issue hasn't been prominent in Greendale, Bock said he is concerned by other districts that have removed books from schools in recent years amid a growing movement to restrict certain materials. Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 Engagement: While every child has their own individual hobbies, autistic kids’ interests are often restricted to particular topics (called special interests). Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 Caldwell said the nonprofit served over 2,000 clients in 2023, and doesn’t restrict its offerings to people with a certain type or at a certain stage of cancer. Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 Residents were restricted to their units without warm food for several days in September as staff prepared the gym and cafeteria for Wernle's annual fundraising event, according to DCS. The Indianapolis Star, 5 Mar. 2024 The tighter controls restricted the sale of a processor that leading AI chipmaker Nvidia Corp. had designed specifically for China — in compliance with the initial 2022 version of the export rules. Jane Lanhee Lee, Fortune Asia, 5 Mar. 2024 The health department and the medical board have tried repeatedly to stop or restrict Omulepu’s ability to perform liposuction following the four patient injuries in May 2015. Daniel Chang, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 So that's a bit annoying and certainly restricts my movement a lot. Terry Gross, NPR, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'restrict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin restrictus, past participle of restringere

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restrict was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near restrict

Cite this Entry

“Restrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restrict. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

restrict

verb
re·​strict ri-ˈstrikt How to pronounce restrict (audio)
1
: to keep within bounds
2
: to place under limits as to use

Legal Definition

restrict

transitive verb
re·​strict
1
: to subject to bounds or limits
restrict the height of buildings
restrict visitation rights
2
: to place under restrictions as to use or distribution
restricted the land to recreational use

More from Merriam-Webster on restrict

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