restrain

To restrain is defined as to hold back or keep under control.

(verb)

An example of restrain is someone being put in handcuffs.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See restrain in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

  1. to hold back from action; check; suppress; curb
  2. to keep under control
  3. to deprive of physical liberty, as by shackling, arresting, etc.
  4. to limit; restrict

Origin: ME restreinen < OFr restreindre < L restringere < re-, back + stringere, to draw tight: see strict

Related Forms:

See restrain in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb re·strained, re·strain·ing, re·strains
  1. a. To hold back or keep in check; control: couldn't restrain the tears.
    b. To hold (a person) back; prevent: restrained them from going.
  2. To deprive of freedom or liberty.
  3. To limit or restrict.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English restreinen

Origin: , from Old French restraindre, restreign-

Origin: , from Latin restringere, to bind back; see restrict

.

Related Forms:

  • re·strainˈa·ble adjective
  • re·strainˈed·ly (-strāˈnĭd-lē) adverb
  • re·strainˈer noun

Learn more about restrain

link/cite print suggestion box