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restraint

[ ri-streynt ]
/ rɪˈstreɪnt /
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noun
a restraining action or influence: freedom from restraint.
Sometimes restraints. a means of or device for restraining, as a harness for the body.
the act of restraining, holding back, controlling, or checking.
the state or fact of being restrained; deprivation of liberty; confinement.
constraint or reserve in feelings, behavior, etc.
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Origin of restraint

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

OTHER WORDS FROM restraint

o·ver·re·straint, nounpre·re·straint, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use restraint in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for restraint

restraint
/ (rɪˈstreɪnt) /

noun
the ability to control or moderate one's impulses, passions, etcto show restraint
the act of restraining or the state of being restrained
something that restrains; restriction

Word Origin for restraint

C15: from Old French restreinte, from restreindre to restrain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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