restraint Hear it!

restraint Definition

re·straint (ri strānt′)

noun

  1. a restraining or being restrained
  2. a restraining influence or action
  3. a means or instrument of restraining
  4. a loss or limitation of liberty; confinement
  5. control of emotions, impulses, etc.; reserve; constraint

Etymology: ME restreinte < OFr restrainte < restreindre, to restrain

  • restratify
  • restrengthen
  • restretch

restraint Synonyms

restraint

n.

  1. Control over oneself

    self-restraint, control, self-control, reserve, reticence, constraint, artistic economy, withholding, caution, coolness, forbearance, silence, secretiveness, stress repression, self-government, undemonstrativeness, stiffness, formality, abstinence, moderation, temperance, self-denial, self-repression, unnaturalness, constrained manner, inhibition, abstemiousness, abstention, self-discipline, self-censorship.

    Antonyms slackness, laxity, demonstrativeness.

  2. An influence that checks or hinders

    repression, deprivation, limitation, hindrance, abridgment, reduction, decrease, prohibition, confinement, check, barrier, obstacle, obstruction, restriction, bar, curb, rein, blockade, order, command, instruction, coercion, impediment, compulsion, duress, force, violence, deterrence, deterrent, discipline, assignment, definition, prescription, moderation, tempering, qualifying, lid*; see also limitation 1, 2.

    Antonyms liberty*, license*, incitement. *

  3. A device that restrains; often plural

    bonds, fetters, straitjacket; see chains, handcuffs.

restraint Law Definition

n

Limitation or confinement as in constraint on free assembly; forbearance; a holding back or prohibiting from doing something.

restraint Usage Examples

Preposition: of

trade: Conversely, is any attempt to limit promotion a restraint of trade?

Converse of object

  • impose: In some cases the loyal orders have imposed restraints on themselves.
  • urge: The big powers, which were determined to use force to oust Milosevic, are now urging the greatest restraint.
  • exercise: Cover of a to exercise restraint the annual appropriations sweat for the.
  • wear: Almost 1 in 5 of children aged between 5 and 13 are also not wearing restraints.

Adjective modifier

  • budgetary: Whatever your tastes or budgetary restraints, we are certain you will find the perfect dress for your special day at Bride's Delight.
  • lateral: What type of lateral support restraint should be provided to: Flank walls, and Rear wall.
  • harmonic: The RESTRAINT energy represents the effect of the harmonic restraints we have imposed.
  • physical: Physical restraint should only be used to prevent injury or serious damage to property.

Modifies a noun

  • must: Where seat belts fitted, correct child restraint MUST be used.
  • strap: To prevent buckling, many Scottish tenements have had steel restraint straps installed around the bay windows.
  • order: Property believed to be the proceeds of crime has also been subject of restraint orders.

Noun used with modifier

  • rear-facing: Never use a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat of a car fitted with an active frontal airbag.
  • occupant: Top Wheelchair Tie Downs Several companies manufacture a range of wheelchair tie-downs and occupant restraints.
  • heel: Black/white leather rowing shoes with two Velcro straps and leather heel restraints.
  • head: In the survey drivers were asked what height they thought head restraints should be adjusted to for safety.
  • wheelchair: The new seats, seat belts and wheelchair restraints are pulled to a force of 3.5 tons to test their strength.
  • wage: It's not surprising Gordon Brown is calling for wage restraint from public sector workers.