Restrictions

rɪˈstrɪkʃənz

nounBeginnerVery CommonLegal

Definitions

1

A rule or law that limits what you can do or what is allowed.

rɪˈstrɪkʃən

nounneutralBeginner
Legal

A limiting condition or regulation.

The government announced new travel restrictions.

💡 Simply: Restrictions are like rules that keep you from doing certain things. Like, if your parents have a restriction, you might not be allowed to stay out past a certain time.

👶 For kids: Rules that tell you what you CAN'T do.

More Examples

2

Due to the pandemic, there were many restrictions on public gatherings.

3

The website has restrictions on user comments to prevent spam.

How It's Used

Legal

"The new law imposed strict restrictions on the sale of firearms."

Medical

"Patients with diabetes often face dietary restrictions."

Financial

"There are restrictions on how the funds can be used."

Idioms & expressions

under restriction

Subject to limitations or controls.

"The company is operating under restriction due to the economic crisis."

impose restrictions

To establish or enact limitations.

"The city council decided to impose restrictions on parking."

From Latin *restrictio* (“a binding back, limitation”), from *restrictus*, past participle of *restringere* (“to hold back, limit”), from *re-* (“back”) + *stringere* (“to bind, tighten”).

The word 'restrictions' has been used in legal and societal contexts for centuries, evolving alongside changes in laws, customs, and governance.

Memory tip

Think of a fence restricting your movement.

restrictonsrestricshuns

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written