restraint

The definition of a restraint is something that restricts freedom or prevents someone from doing something.

(noun)

  1. When someone is tied up and prevented from moving, this is an example of restraint.
  2. When your budget sets a limit on how much you can spend for Christmas, this is an example of financial restraint.
  3. 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.

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See restraint in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

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

See restraint in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The act of restraining or the condition of being restrained.
  2. Loss or abridgment of freedom.
  3. An influence that inhibits or restrains; a limitation.
  4. An instrument or a means of restraining.
  5. Control or repression of feelings; constraint.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English restreinte

Origin: , from Old French restrainte

Origin: , from feminine past participle of restraindre, to restrain; see restrain

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