Finesentence

Restraining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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restraining

re-strain-ing

🇺🇸 /ɹiˈstɹeɪnɪŋ/ · 🇬🇧 /ɹɪstɹˈeɪnɪŋ/

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal

To prevent someone from doing something or to restrict their freedom

Synonyms

constrain, hold back, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
restraining

Used when limiting someone's physical actions or movements, often in a legal or safety context.

  • The police officer was restraining the suspect during the arrest.
  • She got a restraining order against her aggressive ex-boyfriend.
restrict

Used when setting explicit boundaries or limits, often involving regulations or specific guidelines.

  • The new policy will restrict the use of single-use plastics.
  • Parents often restrict their children's screen time.
constrain

Used when talking about imposing limitations that restrict freedom or ability, often in an abstract or systemic context.

  • Financial difficulties constrain their ability to expand the business.
  • The rules of the contest constrain the ways in which you can participate.
hold back

Used in informal contexts to describe not allowing oneself or someone else to progress or express freely.

  • He didn't let fear hold back his dreams.
  • Despite wanting to speak, she decided to hold back her opinion.

Examples of usage

  • The court issued a restraining order against him.
  • The police are restraining the suspect from leaving the scene.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A device or substance used to prevent someone from moving a part of their body

Synonyms

constraint, manacle, shackle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
restraining

This word is commonly used when talking about actions taken to prevent someone from doing something. It is often used in legal or protective contexts.

  • The court issued a restraining order against the stalker
  • The parents used a restraining harness to keep the child safe
constraint

This word refers to limitations or restrictions, often in a broad sense such as time, resources, or freedom. It’s used in various fields like business, engineering, and everyday situations.

  • Time constraints prevented us from completing the project on time
  • Budget constraints forced the company to make cuts
shackle

This word is similar to 'manacle' but can also imply mental or symbolic restraint, not just physical. It can have a negative connotation implying a lack of freedom.

  • The slaves were shackled together to prevent escape
  • Her responsibilities at home shackled her to a life she didn’t want
manacle

Manacle is a more formal and old-fashioned term, usually referring to metal bands or chains that bind the hands or ankles. It is often used in historical or dramatic contexts.

  • The prisoner was led into the courtroom in manacles
  • Ancient punishments often involved manacles and chains

Examples of usage

  • The doctor applied a restraining device to the patient's arm.
  • The use of physical restraints in psychiatric hospitals is controversial.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “restraining”

Restraining is a 3-syllable verb and noun (re-strain-ing). It is pronounced /ɹiˈstɹeɪnɪŋ/ in American English and /ɹɪstɹˈeɪnɪŋ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #9,409 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'restraining'

The word 'restraining' originated from the verb 'restrain', which comes from the Old French word 'restreindre' and the Latin word 'restringere', meaning 'to bind back'. The concept of restraining has been used throughout history in various contexts, from legal to medical settings.

See also: restrain, restrained, restrainedly, restrainer, unrestrained, unrestrainedly.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,409 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.