restrain

[ri-streyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to hold back from action; keep in check or under control; repress.

   to restrain one's temper.

   Synonyms: constrain, suppress, curb, control, bridle
   Antonyms: unbridle

2. to deprive of liberty, as by arrest or the like.

   Synonyms: hamper, hinder, circumscribe, restrict, imprison, confine
   Antonyms: release, liberate, free

3. to limit or hamper the activity, growth, or effect of.

   to restrain trade with Cuba.

restrain

/ rɪˈstreɪn /

verb

1. to hold (someone) back from some action, esp by force

2. to deprive (someone) of liberty, as by imprisonment

3. to limit or restrict

Other Word Forms

• restrainable adjective
• restrainability noun
• restrainingly adverb
• overrestrain verb (used with object)
• prerestrain verb (used with object)
• unrestrainable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of restrain¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English restreynen, from Middle French restreindre, from Latin restringere “to bind back, bind fast”; equivalent to re- + strain ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of restrain¹

C14 restreyne , from Old French restreindre , from Latin rēstringere to draw back tightly, from _re- + stringere to draw, bind; see _strain ¹

Synonym Study

See check ¹.

Example Sentences

The authors of the paper were more restrained in their language, saying the results “indicate a viable path to practical quantum advantage.”

Read more on Barron's

He was not carrying the knife when officers arrived at the scene but a violent confrontation followed, with up to six officers restraining him on the ground.

Read more on BBC

The preliminary injunction would essentially extend a temporary restraining order that U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

More than 4,100 layoff notices went out earlier this month, but a federal judge last week granted a temporary restraining order blocking such job cuts.

Read more on MarketWatch

In March this year, Howe was jailed for three years and four months and handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting Ashley indefinitely.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• confine 
• constrain 
• control 
• curb 
• curtail 
• detain 
• deter 
• govern 
• hamper 
• hinder 
• inhibit 
• keep down 
• kill 
• limit 
• prevent 
• repress 
• restrict 
• subdue 
• suppress