restrictive
Americanadjective
-
tending or serving to restrict.
-
of the nature of a restriction.
-
expressing or implying restriction or limitation of application, as terms, expressions, etc.
-
Grammar. limiting the meaning of a modified element.
a restrictive adjective.
adjective
-
restricting or tending to restrict
-
grammar denoting a relative clause or phrase that restricts the number of possible referents of its antecedent. The relative clause in Americans who live in New York is restrictive; the relative clause in Americans, who are generally extrovert , is nonrestrictive
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of restrictive
1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French restrictif < Latin restrict ( us ) ( see restrict) + Middle French -if -ive
Explanation
Restrictive is an adjective that describes something that keeps people within certain boundaries. A household where you aren't allowed to play video-games, watch TV, or eat junk food is restrictive. If you noticed that restrictive is wrapped around the word strict, you're on to something. Strict comes from the Latin stringere, and you can probably guess what that means, right? Well, not "string," actually, but close: "to bind tight," either with string or rope or whatever does the job. The kids in a restrictive household are kept from doing so many things they might as well be tied up.
Vocabulary lists containing restrictive
"Women in Aviation," Vocabulary from the informational text
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Viewing Current Refugee Crisis Through an Anne Frank Lens
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Lesson 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“Members judged that, while it was still uncertain, financial conditions would probably be somewhat restrictive after this decision,” the minutes said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
And following a restrictive diet that cuts out entire food groups like vegetables doesn’t align with established nutrition research, either.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
Mehta believes his care board wants him to accept a model of care that is cheaper or more restrictive than the one he says he actually needs.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
It was me and a very small team starting with what I felt like was missing in the market — which was great-looking clothing that was not restrictive, but also technical.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
The choice between that and which, according to the rule, is simple: nonrestrictive relative clauses take which; restrictive relative clauses take that.
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
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.
