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

The reality star turned country musician was arrested on Aug. 4 by the College Station Police Department in connection with warrants from the Bryan Police Department regarding charges for assault causing bodily injury and unlawful restraint. —Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Aug. 2024

The state data shows only the number of instances of restraint and seclusion by district, it is not separated by school, but board documents indicate that concern about restraint and seclusion is mainly based on instances recorded at the Edison School in elementary grades. —Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 6 Aug. 2024

The Milwaukee County medical examiner ruled Mitchell’s death was a homicide, the result of restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2024

In addition to homicide, the grandparents have been charged unlawful restraint and false imprisonment. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 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)