restraint

UK: /rɪˈstreɪnt/ US: /rɪˈstreɪnt/ ,(ri strānt′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

re•straint /rɪˈstreɪnt/   n. 

1. [uncountable] a restraining influence.
2. a means of restraining:
   [countable] the restraints of society.
3. a device that restrains, such as a harness:
   [countable] a child restraint for use in the car.
4. reserve in feelings, behavior, etc.:
   [uncountable] speaking with restraint.

See -strain-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

re•straint  (ri strānt′), n. 

1. a restraining action or influence:
   freedom from restraint.
2. Sometimes, restraints. a means of or device for restraining, as a harness for the body.
3. the act of restraining, holding back, controlling, or checking.
4. the state or fact of being restrained;
   deprivation of liberty;
   confinement.
5. constraint or reserve in feelings, behavior, etc.

• Middle French restrainte, noun, nominal use of feminine past participle of restraindre to restrain
• Middle English restreinte 1350–1400

Synonyms

• 4. circumscription, restriction, imprisonment, incarceration.

Antonyms

• 4. liberty.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

restraint / rɪˈstreɪnt/ noun

1. the ability to control or moderate one's impulses, passions, etc
2. the act of restraining or the state of being restrained
3. something that restrains; restriction

Etymology: 15th Century: from Old French restreinte, from restreindre to restrain