restriction

American  

[ri-strik-shuhn] / rɪˈstrɪk ʃən /

noun

1. something that restricts; a restrictive condition or regulation; limitation.

   Synonyms:

   restraint, reservation, provision, rule

2. the act of restricting.

3. the state of being restricted.

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restriction British  

/ rɪˈstrɪkʃən /

noun

1. something that restricts; a restrictive measure, law, etc

2. the act of restricting or the state of being restricted

3. logic maths a condition that imposes a constraint on the possible values of a variable or on the domain of arguments of a function

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Other Word Forms

• nonrestriction
  noun
• overrestriction
  noun
• prerestriction
  noun
• prorestriction
  adjective
• restrictionist
  noun
• self-restriction
  noun
• superrestriction
  noun

Etymology

Origin of restriction

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin restrictiōn-, stem of restrictiō; equivalent to restrict + -ion

Explanation

A restriction is a limitation or a restraint, like when a size restriction keeps you from jumping on a toddler trampoline and bouncing the smaller kids a mile up in the air. Usually a restriction is in place because a limit needs to be set. Common sense would keep you from putting a bowling ball in a paper bag; you wouldn’t need a restriction to tell you not to do it. Sometimes a restriction is the result of doing something bad or misusing a privilege, as when your parents put a restriction on video gaming to limit your time in front of the TV.

Example Sentences

The White House denied there was ever a restriction or ban on U.S. aircraft.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

As well as the restriction on face coverings, Hochul announced that ICE agents would no longer be permitted to enter schools, libraries, community centers, polling sites, and other sensitive locations without a judicial warrant.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

While restrained eating can support weight loss when balanced, extreme restriction can sometimes contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

"We don't think he is hurt but he will now be monitored for post restriction injuries which can take seven days to develop."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

If we continued to disappoint him, he warned us, we’d be put on restriction and forbidden to leave the Academy at night.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Related Words

• check
• condition
• constraint
• control
• curb
• limit
• regulation
• restraint
• rule
• stipulation
• stricture