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 of restriction

• 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

Though Green sat out Sunday’s win with lower back soreness, Kerr said that the forward would not be on a minutes restriction on Tuesday. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026

The bill addresses long permitting processes, zoning restrictions, and minimum parking requirements. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

Barretto said hotel bookings in South Florida are up 200 percent for June and July, during which seven World Cup matches will be hosted at Hard Rock Stadium (which will be renamed Miami Stadium during the tournament due to FIFA sponsor restrictions). —Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026

Anthropic officials said they could be called on to lift those restrictions, according to the official, but Pentagon leadership was not fully satisfied with Anthropic’s adjustments and did not want to be beholden to the private company. —Jared Perlo, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026

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