Restraints: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about physical or emotional control or limits placed on someone or something, often by an external force. It can have a negative connotation.

• The prisoners were put in restraints to prevent them from escaping
• She showed remarkable restraint when dealing with the rude customer

Focuses on specific rules or laws that prevent actions or control certain behaviors. Often used in legal, social, or organizational contexts. Neutral connotation.

• The new travel restrictions have made it difficult to plan vacations abroad
• There are restrictions on the amount of luggage passengers can bring

Describes the inherent boundaries or shortcomings of a person, object, or situation. Used for both physical and non-physical boundaries. Neutral to negative connotation.

• Her physical limitations made it hard for her to complete the marathon
• The limitations of the software became apparent during the testing phase

Refers to limitations or restrictions that affect someone or something; often used in the context of rules, laws, or other formal regulations. Neutral to negative connotation.

• Budget constraints have forced the company to cut back on its new projects
• The legal constraints made it difficult to pursue a new strategy

Used to describe various devices or methods to restrict someone's movement. They can be physical devices or rules/limitations placed on someone.

• The security guards used restraints to control the unruly passenger
• The project had financial restraints that limited its scope

A specific type of restraint used to prevent a person, often someone in a psychiatric setting, from moving their arms. The term is also used metaphorically to describe anything that severely restricts freedom of action or thought.

• The patient was put in a straitjacket for his own safety
• The new policies were like a straitjacket, stifling creativity and innovation

Typically used by law enforcement to physically bind a person’s wrists together.

• The police officer placed handcuffs on the suspect
• He felt the cold metal of the handcuffs as they clicked shut

Refer to heavy metal devices typically used to bind a person’s ankles or wrists, usually associated with prisoners or slaves. The term can also be used metaphorically.

• The prisoners were led away in shackles
• She felt like the job was a pair of shackles, holding her back from her dreams