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”; 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

But Mann and Kani are also careful not to restrict the play to their realities, knowing that to feel true today, the story needs room to breathe.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

“If this happens then the price of oil could surge to fresh highs, as it would further restrict supplies of precious commodities,” said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

However, it told Reuters earlier this week that it had not been asked by Pentagon officials to restrict its coverage of Iran.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Beverage options are also “limited due to upmass constraints, which restrict how much food and drink can be carried onboard.”

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

The smoke had become thicker and with each new blow it seemed to sear and further restrict my lungs.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Related Words

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