restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

1

a

: an act of restraining : the state of being restrained

b(1)

: a means of restraining : a restraining force or influence

(2)

: a device that restricts movement

a restraint for children riding in cars

2

: a control over the expression of one's emotions or thoughts

Synonyms of restraint

• discipline
• repression
• inhibition
• suppression

Examples of restraint in a Sentence

Make sure the child safety restraint is in place.

The prisoner was placed in restraints.

His angry response showed a lack of restraint.

The government has acted with restraint in dealing with this crisis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Interiors are seamlessly integrated into the environment, reinforcing the very restraint and repose the hospitality group has become so renowned for since its inception in 1988. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

The fact that the Morenos speak Spanish at home also adds a fresh spark to the work of a filmmaker who generally favors glacial restraint and muted emotions. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Adopting this confident mindset could lead China to act with more restraint in its dealings with the United States—which could in turn bring a further degree of calm to the relationship. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

Andrew Haigh is a master of restraint, a talent that he’s often weaponized against his own creations to beautiful and shattering effect. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French restreinte, from restreindre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing restraint

• head restraint
• kept/placed under restraint
• passive restraint
• prior restraint
• self-restraint
• under restraint

Rhymes for restraint

• acquaint
• complaint
• constraint
• distraint
• repaint
• faint
• feint
• maint
• paint
• plaint
• quaint
• saint

Kids Definition

restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

1

: the act of restraining : the state of being restrained

held in restraint

2

: a restraining force or influence

3

: control over one's behavior

act with restraint

Medical Definition

restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

: a device that restricts movement

restraints such as straitjackets for violent patients

Legal Definition

restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

1

a

: an act or fact of restraining see also prior restraint

b

: the state of being restrained

2

a

: a means of restraining

b

: a device that restricts movement (as of prisoners or violent psychiatric patients)