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

• check
• circumscription
• condition
• constraint
• curb
• fetter
• limitation
• restraint
• stricture

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

Iran has been under severe economic restrictions since the Trump administration abandoned the nuclear deal reached by President Barack Obama, and that gives policymakers little room to operate in the face of new emergencies. —Jeff Stein, Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2024

Under the program terms, the loans would be forgiven if the money was used to support the workers of a small business that had been forced to close or curtail operations because of pandemic restrictions. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024

But by 2022, as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions eased, the business had built a regular clientele. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2024

Civil rights groups and attorneys for the homeless residents who challenged the restrictions in 2018 insist people shouldn’t be punished for lacking housing. —Claire Rush, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024

Individuals with dietary restrictions such as food allergies and intolerances should avoid powders containing those ingredients. —Alexandra Paetow Ms Rdn, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024

The multi-course al fresco dinner, served on the deck, accommodated dietary restrictions easily and was delicious. —Tanvi Chheda, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2024

One complaint from Airlines for America centers on restrictions that the Chinese government put on American carriers as part of its pandemic response, which severely curtailed their operations in the country. —Melvin Backman, Quartz, 12 Apr. 2024

Experts agree, and studies show, that police shootings are often lower in states with fewer gun sales and more gun restrictions. —Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024

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

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