restrict

verb

re·​strict ri-ˈstrikt 

restricted; restricting; restricts

transitive verb

1

: to confine within bounds : restrain

2

: to place under restrictions as to use or distribution

Synonyms

• cap
• circumscribe
• confine
• hold down
• limit

Choose the Right Synonym for restrict

limit, restrict, circumscribe, confine mean to set bounds for.

limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

Examples of restrict in a Sentence

Her eye problem restricts her reading.

She was told to restrict the amount of salt she uses.

The new law restricts smoking in public places.

They have accused the government of trying to restrict free speech.

They say the government is trying to restrict them from speaking out.

Recent Examples on the Web

Economic barriers, restricted access to education, and regressive gender norms create additional hurdles. —Kath MacKay, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2025

In addition to the substantial challenges posed by ongoing economic uncertainty and climate change, the president's policies could further intensify the situation, potentially restricting development, altering affordability and shifting market dynamics in unpredictable ways. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Judges were even working on it over the weekend, with one issuing an emergency order early Saturday to temporarily restrict Elon Musk’s team from access to the highly sensitive Treasury Department’s payment system. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025

Plus, external access settings in Microsoft Teams, which often allow outside users to initiate chats or meetings, can be exploited if not properly restricted. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin restrictus, past participle of restringere

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

restrict

verb

re·​strict ri-ˈstrikt 

1

: to keep within bounds

2

: to place under limits as to use

Legal Definition

restrict

transitive verb

re·​strict

1

: to subject to bounds or limits

restrict the height of buildings

restrict visitation rights

2

: to place under restrictions as to use or distribution

restricted the land to recreational use