Restricted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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restricted

[rษชหˆstrษชktษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in law

Limited in extent, number, scope, or action; narrowly defined.

Synonyms

bounded, confined, limited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
restricted

This word is often used to describe something that has limitations or is controlled, often implying a formal or legal constraint. It carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • Access to this area is restricted to authorized personnel only.
  • The movie received a restricted rating due to its mature content.
limited

This word describes something that is restricted in size, amount, extent, or scope. It is neutral and can be used in a variety of situations.

  • There are only a limited number of tickets available for the concert.
  • His knowledge on the subject is limited.
confined

This word is used to suggest being kept within certain limits, often implying a sense of being trapped or limited in a negative sense.

  • The prisoners were confined to their cells for 23 hours a day.
  • She felt confined by the small office space.
bounded

This word conveys the idea of having clear or defined boundaries. It can be used in various contexts, including physical, mathematical, or conceptual boundaries.

  • The park is bounded by a river on one side and a highway on the other.
  • The discussion was bounded by a strict time limit.

Examples of usage

  • The area is restricted to authorized personnel only.
  • There are restricted access zones within the facility.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To confine or keep within limits.

Synonyms

constrain, limit, restrain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
restricted

This word can be used to refer to something that has specific limitations, either through rules, regulations, or natural boundaries. It often has a neutral or formal tone.

  • Access to this area is restricted to authorized personnel only.
  • The research was restricted by a lack of funding.
limit

Best used when setting boundaries or ceilings on quantity, scope, or extent. This word is commonly used in everyday situations as well as in more formal contexts.

  • There are limits to how much stress the human body can endure.
  • They decided to limit the number of participants in the competition.
constrain

Use this word when referring to restrictions that are often external and can create a sense of pressure or limitation. It often implies some level of force or necessity.

  • His creativity was constrained by the rigid guidelines of the project.
  • Economic factors constrain the ability to achieve long-term goals.
restrain

Often used to describe keeping something or someone under control, especially through holding back physically or emotionally. This word can carry a more negative connotation, suggesting force or suppression.

  • He had to restrain himself from shouting at the meeting.
  • The police restrained the protester who was getting too aggressive.

Examples of usage

  • The government has restricted the use of certain chemicals.
  • The doctor restricted the patient's diet.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • Laws often include restricted areas, such as no-entry zones that protect wildlife or sensitive infrastructure.
  • In contract law, parties can agree to restricted clauses that limit certain behaviors or actions.
  • The term 'restricted' appears frequently in government regulations, indicating areas requiring special permissions.

Psychology

  • Feeling restricted can lead to stress or frustration, as individuals may crave freedom and autonomy.
  • Research shows that perceived restrictions in a task can impact one's motivation and creativity.
  • Children may feel restricted when faced with strict rules, influencing their behavior and emotional development.

Internet Usage

  • Many websites implement restricted access areas, requiring passwords to view sensitive information.
  • Geo-restricted content on streaming services can limit what users can watch based on location.
  • Network administrators often enforce restrictions to manage bandwidth and maintain security.

Health and Safety

  • In hospitals, certain areas are restricted to prevent contamination and maintain patient safety.
  • Prescriptions may have restrictions to ensure that medications are used appropriately and safely.
  • During emergencies, access to certain areas might be restricted to protect both responders and civilians.

Origin of 'restricted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from Latin, where 'restringere' means to bind back.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally describing physical constraints.
  • Words like 'restrict' and 'restriction' evolved from the same Latin root, showing how language can change over time.

The word 'restricted' originated from the Latin word 'restrictus', past participle of 'restringere', which means 'to confine, bind fast'. The concept of restrictions has been present in various forms throughout history, particularly in legal and governing contexts where limitations and boundaries are imposed for various reasons such as security, safety, or control.


See also: restrict, restrictedly, restricting, restriction, restrictions, restrictive, restrictor, unrestricted, unrestrictedness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,684, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.