Restraint
/rɪˈstreɪnt/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of controlling one's own emotions or behavior, or the act of preventing someone or something from moving or acting freely.
/rɪˈstreɪnt/
The act of controlling someone or something, or the state of being controlled.
She showed remarkable restraint in the face of criticism.
💡 Simply: Restraint is like putting the brakes on something. Maybe you're trying to stop yourself from eating too much candy, or maybe you're trying to keep a situation from getting out of control. It's about holding back.
👶 For kids: Restraint is when you stop yourself or something else from doing something. Like, you use restraint to not eat all the cookies at once!
More Examples
The police used physical restraint to subdue the suspect.
The company's financial restraint led to lower profits in the short term.
His natural restraint made it difficult for him to express his feelings.
How It's Used
"The government's restraint on public spending has caused debate."
"He showed admirable restraint when faced with the provocation."
"The court issued a restraining order against the defendant."
A physical or other means of limiting someone's or something's movement or action; a device to restrict movement.
/rɪˈstreɪnt/
A measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control.
The authorities employed crowd-control restraints to prevent chaos at the rally.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, restraint is a physical thing used to hold someone or something in place. This could be a seatbelt in a car or a strap used in a medical setting.
👶 For kids: Restraint can also be a thing that keeps something from moving around too much, like a seatbelt in a car!
More Examples
The doctors used physical restraints on the patient for safety.
The law imposed financial restraints on the company to prevent corruption.
How It's Used
"The hospital used restraints to prevent the patient from self-harming."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
with restraint
In a controlled and moderate manner.
"He spoke with restraint, carefully choosing his words."
show restraint
To act with control and moderation.
"It takes a lot of willpower to show restraint when dealing with such a difficult person."
restraining order
A court order prohibiting a person from doing something, such as contacting or approaching another person.
"The judge issued a restraining order to protect the victim from further harassment."
From Middle English *restreint*, from Old French *restrainte*, feminine past participle of *restraindre* ('to restrain'), from Latin *restringere* ('to restrict, bind back').
Used since the 14th century, initially referring to legal restrictions and later broadened to cover emotional and behavioral control.
Memory tip
Think of a leash restraining a dog from running free.
Word Origin
"to restrict, bind back"