Restrain: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about holding something back physically or emotionally to prevent it from happening.

• The police had to restrain the suspect to prevent him from escaping.
• She struggled to restrain her laughter during the serious meeting.

Used to talk about exercising authority, managing, or commanding something or someone.

• He needs to learn how to control his temper.
• The company aims to control the market with its innovative product.

Informal phrase used to describe voluntarily refraining from doing something or preventing someone from doing something.

• She decided to hold back her opinion during the meeting.
• His fear of failure holds him back from trying new things.

Used when talking about forcefully stopping something (often a feeling, emotion, or reaction) from being expressed or happening.

• She tried to suppress her giggles in the quiet library.
• The government moved quickly to suppress the uprising.

Used to describe limiting or restricting someone's actions, freedom, or development by force or necessity.

• The tight budget will constrain our ability to expand the project.
• Social norms often constrain individual behavior.

Use when talking about holding back physical actions, emotions, or preventing someone from acting freely.

• The police had to restrain the suspect
• She tried to restrain her laughter

Used to describe the power to influence or direct behavior, manage something, or maintain order.

• He has control over the entire operation
• She needs to control her anger

Describing the state of being limited or an actual limit, often referring to capacity or legal boundaries.

• He has some limitations due to his injury
• There is a limitation on the number of people who can attend

Indicates specific rules or conditions that prevent certain actions or limit freedom, often with a regulatory or legal aspect. Can have a negative connotation.

• There are strict restrictions on what you can bring into the country
• These restrictions are necessary for safety reasons

Used when referring to limitations or restrictions that are often external and imposed on someone or something.

• The project was completed on time despite the budget constraints
• Time constraints prevented them from finishing the job