Restrained
/rɪˈstreɪnd/
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by control, moderation, or reserve; not excessive or uncontrolled.
/rɪˈstreɪnd/
Controlled or limited in amount, action, or degree; kept under control.
The artist's work was characterized by a restrained use of color.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a fancy party, and you're trying to be polite and not do anything too wild. Being restrained means you're keeping your behavior and emotions under control, like not shouting or eating too much cake!
👶 For kids: When you're restrained, it means you're keeping your body or your feelings under control.
More Examples
Despite the excitement, the crowd remained remarkably restrained.
She displayed a restrained response to the news, neither overly joyful nor excessively sad.
How It's Used
"She spoke in a restrained manner, carefully choosing her words."
"He kept his emotions restrained during the tense negotiations."
"The patient's movements were medically restrained to prevent further injury."
Having been kept under control or prevented from freedom of movement or action.
/rɪˈstreɪnd/
Past participle of the verb 'restrain' (to keep under control or limit).
The unruly child was restrained by their parents.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone tying your hands behind your back to stop you from doing something. Being restrained means you've been held back or stopped from doing something.
👶 For kids: If you're restrained, it means someone is stopping you from moving or doing something.
More Examples
His anger was finally restrained after a long silence.
The project's budget had to be restrained to stay within its limits.
How It's Used
"The suspect was physically restrained by the police."
"She felt emotionally restrained, unable to express her true feelings."
"The dog had to be restrained from chasing the cat."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
with restrained enthusiasm
Showing excitement or interest in a controlled or moderated way.
"She greeted the news with restrained enthusiasm, not wanting to appear too eager."
From Old French restreindre, meaning 'to hold back' or 'to limit,' which derives from Latin restringere, meaning 'to bind back' or 'to confine'.
The word 'restrained' has been used in English since the 15th century, initially referring to physical confinement.
Memory tip
Think of someone holding a leash on a dog, the dog is restrained.