Restrict
/rɪˈstrɪkt/
Definitions
To limit or put a constraint on someone or something; to keep within certain limits.
/rɪˈstrɪkt/
To put a limit on something; to keep within set bounds.
The new regulations restrict the use of pesticides in the area.
💡 Simply: Imagine a rope around a play area. 'Restrict' is like that rope; it tells you what you can't do or where you can't go. Like, you might restrict the amount of cookies you eat to stay healthy!
👶 For kids: To stop something from going too far or being too much.
More Examples
The doctor restricted his patient's diet to low-sodium foods.
The company restricted employee access to certain files for security reasons.
How It's Used
"The law restricts the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m."
"The bank restricts the amount of money you can withdraw per day."
"Doctors restrict the intake of certain foods to help manage weight."
Idioms & expressions
restrict oneself to
To limit one's actions, choices, or focus to something specific.
"During the project, the team restricted themselves to using only open-source software."
From Latin *restrictus*, past participle of *restringere* 'to bind back, restrain', from *re-* 'back' + *stringere* 'to draw tight, bind'.
The word 'restrict' has been used since the early 17th century, initially with the meaning of holding back or restraining.
Memory tip
Think of a tightly tied rope around a dog's movement, restricting its freedom.
Word Origin
"to bind back, restrain"