restrict

verb

re·​strict ri-ˈstrikt 

restricted; restricting; restricts

transitive verb

1

: to confine within bounds : restrain

restricted the children to the backyard.

Damage was restricted to the rear of the building.

2

: to place under restrictions as to use or distribution

restricts himself to one cup of coffee

claim that the government is restricting their speech

Synonyms of restrict

• limit

Choose the Right Synonym for restrict

limit, restrict, circumscribe, confine mean to set bounds for.

limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

Examples of restrict in a Sentence

Her eye problem restricts her reading.

She was told to restrict the amount of salt she uses.

The new law restricts smoking in public places.

They have accused the government of trying to restrict free speech.

They say the government is trying to restrict them from speaking out.

Recent Examples on the Web

New regulations, which were approved in February by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) under Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta, focus on restricting blackjack-style games and certain player-dealer arrangements that are common in California card rooms. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

China started restricting tungsten exports just over a year ago, and in December called for tighter limits on sulfuric acid exports. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026

The administration has also sought to restrict work permits for asylum-seekers and to reexamine the cases of legal refugees admitted under the Biden administration. —Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

Multiple Israeli sources told Fox News that the blackout is not only restricting information from leaving Iran but also preventing citizens from organizing internally, at a time when pressure on the regime is mounting. —Efrat Lachter , Trey Yingst, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin restrictus, past participle of restringere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for restrict

• addict
• afflict
• constrict
• delict
• depict
• evict
• handpicked
• inflict
• predict
• relict
• bricked
• clicked

Kids Definition

restrict

verb

re·​strict ri-ˈstrikt 

1

: to keep within bounds

2

: to place under limits as to use

Legal Definition

restrict

transitive verb

re·​strict

1

: to subject to bounds or limits

restrict the height of buildings

restrict visitation rights

2

: to place under restrictions as to use or distribution

restricted the land to recreational use