restricted
Americanadjective
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confined; limited.
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(of information, a document, etc.)
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bearing the classification restricted, usually the lowest level of classified information.
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limited to persons authorized to use information, documents, etc., so classified.
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limited to or admitting only members of a particular group or class.
a restricted neighborhood; a restricted hotel.
adjective
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limited or confined
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not accessible to the general public or ( esp US ) out of bounds to military personnel
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denoting or in a zone in which a speed limit or waiting restrictions for vehicles apply
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of restricted
Explanation
Have you ever seen a door labeled Restricted? If so, you probably know it means "Stay out." A restricted area can only be entered by certain people. Anything labeled restricted is not public. Restricted things are private, and only certain people who are authorized can access or use those things. Anything restricted is subject to more rules. In sports, a restricted free agent has to worry about more rules than an unrestricted free agent. Something or someone restricted has to deal with restrictions, which are rules or laws that set limits.
Vocabulary lists containing restricted
Nothing But the Truth
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Selection Vocabulary 3, Unit 4
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Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The model is not restricted to ice," Rallabandi said.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 18, 2026
A 10,000-square-foot restricted access warehouse to be built at the port will house mooring lines, pedestrian barriers, gangways and repair gear for the US Navy, said a spokeswoman.
From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026
At the end of 2025, the company disclosed it had $105 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, up from $36.9 million a year earlier.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026
Despite this, Todner, said Leroy's release conditions were "so stringent, his liberty is restricted".
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
Eventually, I uncovered a restricted area called the Star Chamber.
From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
