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

Still, some Democrats counseled restraint in interpreting the results.

From Salon

But, in recent weeks, Leo has favoured restraint.

From Barron's

The budget has laid a strong emphasis on fiscal restraint, targeting a lower deficit for the upcoming financial year.

From BBC

Demand is fed now by “diversification away from a system where fiscal discipline and geopolitical restraint feels optional and monetary credibility is constantly being tested,” Skoyles said.

From MarketWatch

His restraint came from his belief that the people closest to a problem were best suited to solve it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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