Restraint: meaning, definitions and examples

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restraint

 

[ rɪˈstreɪnt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

exercise of self-control

Restraint is the act of holding back or controlling oneself from doing something. It involves self-discipline and moderation in behavior.

Synonyms

discipline, moderation, self-control.

Examples of usage

  • He showed great restraint in not reacting to the provocation.
  • She practiced restraint by not eating the entire cake.
  • I admire his restraint in not spending all his money at once.
Context #2 | Noun

limitation or restriction

Restraint can also refer to a limitation or restriction placed on someone or something. It can involve rules, regulations, or constraints.

Synonyms

constraint, limitation, restriction.

Examples of usage

  • There are legal restraints on how much noise you can make after a certain hour.
  • The company placed restraints on employee spending to control costs.
Context #3 | Noun

physical device

Restraint can also be a physical device used to restrict movement or behavior, such as handcuffs or a straightjacket.

Synonyms

constraint, fetters, shackles.

Examples of usage

  • The criminal was placed in restraints before being transported to the police station.
  • The psychiatric patient was put in a restraint to prevent self-harm.

Translations

Translations of the word "restraint" in other languages:

🇵🇹 restrição

🇮🇳 संयम

🇩🇪 Zurückhaltung

🇮🇩 pembatasan

🇺🇦 стриманість

🇵🇱 powściągliwość

🇯🇵 抑制 (よくせい)

🇫🇷 retenue

🇪🇸 moderación

🇹🇷 kısıtlama

🇰🇷 제한 (jehan)

🇸🇦 تقييد

🇨🇿 omezení

🇸🇰 obmedzenie

🇨🇳 限制 (xiànzhì)

🇸🇮 omejitev

🇮🇸 hömlur

🇰🇿 шектеу

🇬🇪 შეზღუდვა

🇦🇿 məhdudiyyət

🇲🇽 moderación

Etymology

The word 'restraint' originated from the Old French word 'restrainte', which came from the Latin word 'restringere', meaning 'to restrain'. The concept of restraint has been present throughout history in various forms, including self-discipline, physical restraints, and limitations imposed by society or authorities.

See also: restraints.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,484 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.