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

The restrictions have increased pressure on Chinese companies to develop domestic alternatives across the semiconductor supply chain. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Her position as the face of the DeWine administration’s aggressive stance against the coronavirus also earned Acton many enemies, among them statehouse Republicans and conservative Ohioans who opposed pandemic public health restrictions. — Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Though Washington has warned that using Chinese chips could violate export restrictions, Huawei’s steep discounts offer cheaper compute amid a global memory shortage that could persist through 2030. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Talwani’s preliminary injunction replaced her prior order, preventing the mail-in ballot restrictions from taking effect before the midterm elections as the case continues. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Sep. 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