restraint

American  

[ri-streynt] / rɪˈstreɪnt /

noun

1. a restraining action or influence.

   freedom from restraint.

2. Sometimes restraints. a means of or device for restraining, as a harness for the body.

3. the act of restraining, holding back, controlling, or checking.

4. the state or fact of being restrained; restrained; deprivation of liberty; confinement.

   Synonyms:

   incarceration, imprisonment, restriction, circumscription

   Antonyms:

   liberty

5. constraint or reserve in feelings, behavior, etc.

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restraint British  

/ rɪˈstreɪnt /

noun

1. the ability to control or moderate one's impulses, passions, etc

   to show restraint

2. the act of restraining or the state of being restrained

3. something that restrains; restriction

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Other Word Forms

• overrestraint noun
• prerestraint noun

Etymology

Origin of restraint

1350–1400; Middle English restreinte < Middle French restrainte, noun use of feminine past participle of restraindre to restrain

Example Sentences

Russia and China, which have invested tens of billions of dollars and considerable diplomatic capital in the Maduro regime, have reacted with restraint.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the fact that Pezeshkian felt compelled on Wednesday to order security forces to show restraint will be read as a sign the government is concerned the crisis is slipping out of control.

From Barron's

After an earlier court appearance, lawyer Alan Jackson told reporters the case needed to be treated with "restraint and with dignity."

From Barron's

“Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint.”

From Barron's

"Spain calls for de-escalation and restraint," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

From Barron's

Related Words

• ban
• constraint
• curb
• embargo
• limit
• prohibition
• reduction
• restriction