restrain
verb (used with object)
to hold back from action; keep in check or under control; repress.
have been restraining
-
present perfect progressiveof restrain.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
“I never told you I love you, and tonight I want to tell you that, I have been restraining my feeling for you, as I do love you from the bottom of my heart!”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 10, 2026
"We have been restraining ourselves. We cannot do that any more. We are ready as the police force to maintain peace," Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome told reporters at a media briefing.
From Reuters ● Mar. 27, 2023
"But we haven't seen one single act of restraint on their part while we have been restraining ourselves."
From Time Magazine Archive
We have all to confess that we have been restraining prayer before God.
From Expositions of Holy Scripture Isaiah and Jeremiah by Alexander Maclaren
Louis, with weapons in hand, still kept between the fury and Miriam; but I think his French chivalry must have been restraining him.
From Lords of the North by Agnes C. (Agnes Christina) Laut
