restrict

American  

[ri-strikt] / rɪˈstrɪkt /

verb (used with object)

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

• derestrict verb (used with object)
• nonrestricting adjective
• overrestrict verb (used with object)
• prerestrict verb (used with object)
• restricter noun
• restrictor noun

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”; restrain

Example Sentences

Much of our conversation is about what we are not allowed to film in this restricted lab.

From BBC

Nebraska, California, New York, Minnesota and North Carolina are among the states that previously have proposed laws to crack down on or restrict large investor home purchases.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was not a law to try and punish young people or restrict them, she said, adding she would continue campaigning for graduated licences.

From BBC

Instead, he restricted his conversations to captain Bruno Fernandes and the new senior players.

From BBC

For that, the bloc has restricted his travel across its 27 countries and frozen all of his “funds and economic resources” in the EU, effectively prohibiting him from doing business there.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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