restraining order

American  

noun

Law.

1. a judicial order to forbid a particular act until a decision is reached on an application for an injunction.

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restraining order British  

noun

1. law an order issued by a civil court to a potential abuser to keep away from those named in the order

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Etymology

Origin of restraining order

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

According to the restraining order application, Palacios contacted Escorcia by phone on April 30 and told him ICE was starting a criminal investigation against him.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Palacios’ attorney, Stacie Halpern, said Tuesday she could not immediately comment on the allegations in the restraining order.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

All three boys were also made subject to a three-month curfew and given a restraining order for 10 years not to contact their victims.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

On Sunday, a federal judge in Baton Rouge granted Duncan’s request for a temporary restraining order, declaring the bill abolishing the criminal court clerk position to be unconstitutional.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

Mom offered to go over and smooth things out, but I think that Dad and I both realized that given her temper, her diplomatic mission might end up with a restraining order against our family.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman