restrict

American  

[ri-strikt] / rɪˈstrɪkt /

verb (used with object)

restricts, present (3rd person singular) restricted, past participle, past restricting present participle

1. to confine or keep within limits, as of space, action, choice, intensity, or quantity.

   Synonyms:

   obstruct, impede, hinder, hamper, block, check, abridge, restrain, limit, confine, circumscribe

   Antonyms:

   surpass, exceed

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restrict British  

/ rɪˈstrɪkt /

verb

1. (often foll by to) to confine or keep within certain often specified limits or selected bounds

   to restrict one's drinking to the evening

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• restricter
  noun
• restrictor
  noun
• nonrestricting
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Participles

• restricting
  present
• restricted
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• restrict
  simple
• restricts
  simple
• have restricted
  perfect
• has restricted
  perfect
• am restricting
  progressive
• are restricting
  progressive
• is restricting
  progressive
• have been restricting
  perfect progressive
• has been restricting
  perfect progressive

Past

• restricted
  simple
• had restricted
  perfect
• was restricting
  progressive
• were restricting
  progressive
• had been restricting
  perfect progressive

Future

• will restrict
  simple
• will have restricted
  perfect
• will be restricting
  progressive
• will have been restricting
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of restrict

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin restrictus “drawn back, tightened, bound, reserved,” adjective use of past participle of restringere “to bind back, bind fast”; see restrain

Explanation

To restrict is to limit. If you want to eat more healthily, you might restrict, or limit, yourself to eating only foods containing fruits and vegetables –- like carrot cake and apple pie. You'll often encounter different words related to restrict. A restriction is a law or rule, like the restriction against driving a car without a license. Something that is not permitted is restricted, and this word is often used to designate physical locations that are off limits to the public. You'll often see characters in movies break into restricted areas to obtain secret information.

Example Sentences

In theory, the Supreme Court itself could rule that other features that restrict presidential control—like the inability to fill temporary vacancies—are also unconstitutional.

From Slate • Jul. 6, 2026

Slaughter, the court held that the Constitution gives the president power to fire subordinate executive officers, which Congress can’t restrict by statute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026

But some education experts said the changes are more likely to restrict access to learning, especially for lower-income students who have trouble qualifying for or paying private loans.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026

Over time, tiny cholesterol carrying particles can become trapped inside artery walls, where they build up into plaques that restrict blood flow and raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

From Science Daily • Jul. 6, 2026

She had to bring Clara with her on marketing days, but though her stepsister now controlled the purse, she did little else to restrict her.

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo

Related Words

• curb
• decrease
• define
• diminish
• hamper
• impede
• inhibit
• limit
• narrow
• reduce
• regulate
• restrain
• shorten