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.