restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

1

: something that restricts: such as

a

: a regulation that restricts or restrains

restrictions for hunters

b

: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility

2

: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Synonyms

• limitation
• constraint

Examples of restriction in a Sentence

Building in that area came with some restrictions.

They placed restrictions on smoking indoors.

They will lift export restrictions.

illegal restriction of free speech

Recent Examples on the Web

Other food restrictions to consider Alcohol over 140 proof (70 percent) is not allowed through airport security in any quantity. —Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025

Regional restrictions may apply. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Chinese arms exports to the Middle East have surged since 2015, particularly in UAVs and missile systems, due to relatively low costs, rapid delivery, and fewer political restrictions than US or European suppliers. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2025

In August, after the agency’s head reportedly refused to accept the panel’s new restrictions on certain vaccines, Kennedy moved to fire her. —Clare Malone, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English restriccioun, from Anglo-French restriction, from Late Latin restriction-, restrictio, from Latin restringere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing restriction

• restriction enzyme
• restriction fragment length polymorphism

Rhymes for restriction

• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• nonfiction
• prediction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction

Kids Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

1

: something (as a law or rule) that restricts

2

: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Medical Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

often attributive

: the breaking of double-stranded DNA into fragments by restriction enzymes

restriction sites

Legal Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion

1

: something that restricts: as

a

: a regulation that restricts or restrains

b

: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility

2

a

: an act of restricting

b

: the state of being restricted