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

And because cream without acid reads as flat, finish with restraint: a small splash of Crystal Hot Sauce for vinegar and gentle heat, and the smallest squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

It said nuclear power plant sites and nearby areas "must never be attacked" and called for "maximum military restraint" to avoid a nuclear accident.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

And the lack of churn has also been credited to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who by most accounts has enforced significant restraint from a famously chaotic leader.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Their restraint appears to be one of the Iran war’s casualties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

“Still, for all Grigori’s virtues, he is impulsive. He would rather target street kids than think higher. He lacks restraint and true vision.”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

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