restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

1

a

: an act of restraining : the state of being restrained

b(1)

: a means of restraining : a restraining force or influence

(2)

: a device that restricts movement

a restraint for children riding in cars

2

: a control over the expression of one's emotions or thoughts

Synonyms

• constraint
• continence
• discipline
• discretion
• inhibition
• refrainment
• repression
• reserve
• self-command
• self-control
• self-restraint
• suppression

Examples of restraint in a Sentence

Make sure the child safety restraint is in place.

The prisoner was placed in restraints.

His angry response showed a lack of restraint.

The government has acted with restraint in dealing with this crisis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Use of force In the DOJ investigation released last March, federal officials said LMPD officers used excessive force too often, including unjustified neck restraints and unnecessary use of tasers and police dogs. —Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 2024

Medical examiners mentioned physical restraint and Tasers, in part, in some of the causes of those deaths. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024

Instead, using its own medical expert, the defense claimed Neely died of a sickling crisis from his sickle cell trait, a schizophrenic episode, Penny’s restraint and synthetic marijuana. —Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2024

House Bill 1057 would permit a person convicted of certain felonies, such as an antitrust violation; an unfair trade practice; restraint of trade or another offense relating to the regulation of business... Subscribe to continue reading, or log in. —Josh Snyder, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French restreinte, from restreindre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing restraint

• head restraint
• kept/placed under restraint
• passive restraint
• prior restraint
• self-restraint
• under restraint

Kids Definition

restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

1

: the act of restraining : the state of being restrained

held in restraint

2

: a restraining force or influence

3

: control over one's behavior

act with restraint

Medical Definition

restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

: a device that restricts movement

restraints such as straitjackets for violent patients

Legal Definition

restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt 

1

a

: an act or fact of restraining see also prior restraint

b

: the state of being restrained

2

a

: a means of restraining

b

: a device that restricts movement (as of prisoners or violent psychiatric patients)