restraint

A restraint is something that restricts freedom or prevents someone from doing something. (noun)

When someone is tied up and prevented from moving, this is an example of restraint.
When your budget sets a limit on how much you can spend for Christmas, this is an example of financial restraint.
When you want to cry and get mad but you force yourself to stay calm, this is an example of a situation where you show restraint.

See restraint in Webster's New World College Dictionary

See restraint in American Heritage Dictionary 4

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