restricted

American  

[ri-strik-tid] / rɪˈstrɪk tɪd /

adjective

1. confined; limited.

2. (of information, a document, etc.)

   1. bearing the classification restricted, usually the lowest level of classified information.

   2. limited to persons authorized to use information, documents, etc., so classified.

3. limited to or admitting only members of a particular group or class.

   a restricted neighborhood; a restricted hotel.

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restricted British  

/ rɪˈstrɪktɪd /

adjective

1. limited or confined

2. not accessible to the general public or ( esp US ) out of bounds to military personnel

3. denoting or in a zone in which a speed limit or waiting restrictions for vehicles apply

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Other Word Forms

• nonrestricted adjective
• nonrestrictedly adverb
• restrictedly adverb
• restrictedness noun
• self-restricted adjective
• unrestricted adjective
• unrestrictedly adverb

Etymology

Origin of restricted

First recorded in 1820–30; restrict + -ed ²

Explanation

Have you ever seen a door labeled Restricted? If so, you probably know it means "Stay out." A restricted area can only be entered by certain people. Anything labeled restricted is not public. Restricted things are private, and only certain people who are authorized can access or use those things. Anything restricted is subject to more rules. In sports, a restricted free agent has to worry about more rules than an unrestricted free agent. Something or someone restricted has to deal with restrictions, which are rules or laws that set limits.

Example Sentences

Drones have been part of the department’s arsenal for just over a decade, but until recently their use was restricted to a narrow set of incidents, most involving barricaded suspects or bomb threats.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

The Canadian leader said the sovereign fund would likely have the freedom to pursue investments within Canada, and that it wouldn’t be restricted to projects the government has formally labeled as crucial to nation building.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

According to an April 21 letter filed with regulators, Musk must exercise the 2018 award no later than Aug. 15, 2026, and will then receive the restricted shares, which vest in early 2028.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

E15 is less expensive than regular diesel, but is restricted due to the smog it creates.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

But Ron’s tolerance was not to be tested much as they moved into June, for Harry and Ginny’s time together was becoming increasingly restricted.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• barred
• blocked
• closed
• confined
• controlled
• defined
• deprived
• prescribed
• reduced
• restrained
• secured
• shortened
• tethered