restrict

verb

re·​strict ri-ˈstrikt 

restricted; restricting; restricts

transitive verb

1

: to confine within bounds : restrain

2

: to place under restrictions as to use or distribution

Synonyms

• cap
• circumscribe
• confine
• hold down
• 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

Japan is part of the First Island Chain, a U.S. maritime containment strategy that seeks to restrict the Chinese military's access to the Western Pacific Ocean. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025

New Policy Causing Alarm Last week, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issued a deeply disappointing directive that significantly restricts prerelease custody under the Second Chance Act. —Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

The Big Story Trump directs repeal of Biden showerhead rule President Trump has ordered his administration to repeal a Biden-era rule restricting water flow from shower heads. —Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025

Regulatory challenges: a loophole in the system Some states have started restricting the sale of nitrous oxide. —Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin restrictus, past participle of restringere

First Known Use

1535, 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