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”; see restrain

Explanation

To restrict is to limit. If you want to eat more healthily, you might restrict, or limit, yourself to eating only foods containing fruits and vegetables –- like carrot cake and apple pie. You'll often encounter different words related to restrict. A restriction is a law or rule, like the restriction against driving a car without a license. Something that is not permitted is restricted, and this word is often used to designate physical locations that are off limits to the public. You'll often see characters in movies break into restricted areas to obtain secret information.

Example Sentences

President Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is stoked about the Restrict Act.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2023

Restrict social media and offer more mental health resources in schools, Jean Twenge writes in Time.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2023

Restrict plantings under trees and shrubs to bulbs or other low-growing flowering plants and regularly dispose of dead leaves and other dry plant debris.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2018

Restrict the domain to find the inverse of a polynomial function.

From Textbooks • Feb. 13, 2015

Restrict, rē-strikt′, v.t. to limit: to confine: to repress: to attach limitations.—adv.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various

Related Words

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