restrain
verb (used with object)
to hold back from action; keep in check or under control; repress.
had been restraining
-
past perfect progressiveof restrain.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But it was too late, both for him and the cage in the warehouse that had been restraining the walkers.
From New York Times ● Mar. 15, 2015
The tears he had been restraining broke out and poured down his cheeks in a torrent.
From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner
She had sunk upon a chair overcome by the tears which she had been restraining so long in the presence of the happiness of others.
From Fruitfulness by Ernest Alfred Vizetelly
He had been restraining his feelings with all the strength of his will since Farr had announced his intentions.
From The Landloper by Holman Day
He had been restraining himself, and now the silent anguish which had consumed him burst forth despite all his efforts.
From His Masterpiece by Ernest Alfred Vizetelly
