restrict

American  

[ri-strikt] / rɪˈstrɪkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to confine or keep within limits, as of space, action, choice, intensity, or quantity.

   Synonyms:

   obstruct, impede, hinder, hamper, block, check, abridge, restrain, limit, confine, circumscribe

   Antonyms:

   surpass, exceed

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restrict British  

/ rɪˈstrɪkt /

verb

1. (often foll by to) to confine or keep within certain often specified limits or selected bounds

   to restrict one's drinking to the evening

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Other Word Forms

• derestrict verb (used with object)
• nonrestricting adjective
• overrestrict verb (used with object)
• prerestrict verb (used with object)
• restricter noun
• restrictor noun

Etymology

Origin of restrict

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin restrictus “drawn back, tightened, bound, reserved,” adjective use of past participle of restringere “to bind back, bind fast”; restrain

Example Sentences

Kennedy is poised soon to take action that would allow compounding pharmacies to make certain peptides that are currently restricted by the Food and Drug Administration, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal

After Iran’s accidental downing of Ukrainian Airlines PS752 in 2020, families of those who died have been pressing the International Civil Aviation Organization to set standards restricting flights in conflict zones.

From The Wall Street Journal

Those involved in the scheme allegedly helped a Southeast Asian company place orders for servers of Nvidia’s Blackwell and Hopper chips, both of which are restricted for sale to China.

From MarketWatch

California lawmakers are considering legislation to restrict social media use for teens and children under 16 years old.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of its obfuscation tools, designed to bypass censors in restricted countries, have not performed well in highly restrictive environments like China and Russia.

From Salon

Related Words

• curb
• decrease
• define
• diminish
• hamper
• impede
• inhibit
• limit
• narrow
• reduce
• regulate
• restrain
• shorten