restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

1

: something that restricts: such as

a

: a regulation that restricts or restrains

restrictions for hunters

b

: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility

2

: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Synonyms

• check
• circumscription
• condition
• constraint
• curb
• fetter
• limitation
• restraint
• stricture

Examples of restriction in a Sentence

Building in that area came with some restrictions.

They placed restrictions on smoking indoors.

They will lift export restrictions.

illegal restriction of free speech

Recent Examples on the Web

His stance represents a stark contrast to the Biden administration's pause on LNG export approvals and restrictions on federal land drilling. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

And while big deferrals and signing bonuses are tools available for any team to use in contract negotiations — MLB’s collective bargaining agreement places no restrictions on either in contracts — there’s a reason the Dodgers have been uniquely positioned to capitalize upon it with such regularity. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025

States that have successfully addressed housing shortages — such as Texas, where cities like Austin have seen a 12.6% decline in rental prices — have prioritized loosening restrictions, streamlining permitting processes and promoting new construction to meet demand. —David Byrd, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2025

His plans also include ICE raids in major metropolitan areas and placing additional restrictions on who is eligible to enter the US. 3. —Alexandra Banner, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English restriccioun, from Anglo-French restriction, from Late Latin restriction-, restrictio, from Latin restringere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing restriction

• restriction enzyme
• restriction fragment length polymorphism

Kids Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

1

: something (as a law or rule) that restricts

2

: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Medical Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

often attributive

: the breaking of double-stranded DNA into fragments by restriction enzymes

restriction sites

Legal Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion

1

: something that restricts: as

a

: a regulation that restricts or restrains

b

: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility

2

a

: an act of restricting

b

: the state of being restricted