restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

1

: something that restricts: such as

a

: a regulation that restricts or restrains

restrictions for hunters

b

: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility

2

: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Synonyms

• check
• circumscription
• condition
• constraint
• curb
• fetter
• limitation
• restraint
• stricture

Examples of restriction in a Sentence

Building in that area came with some restrictions.

They placed restrictions on smoking indoors.

They will lift export restrictions.

illegal restriction of free speech

Recent Examples on the Web

Previous Immigration Restrictions Against International Students Using the federal government to limit or reduce the labor supply was the operating principle behind many of the Trump administration’s first-term immigration restrictions. —Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

The restrictions on political apparel could extend to political references beyond the candidates or issues on the ballot. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024

Still, many nonpartisan experts saw the changes in less dramatic terms: the restrictions on mail-in ballots and drop boxes, while mostly unnecessary, rolled back emergency measures put in place the year before. —Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024

Southbound restriction during overnight hours Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between State Route 74/Carefree Highway and Loop 303 for pavement improvements. —Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English restriccioun, from Anglo-French restriction, from Late Latin restriction-, restrictio, from Latin restringere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing restriction

• restriction enzyme
• restriction fragment length polymorphism

Kids Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

1

: something (as a law or rule) that restricts

2

: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Medical Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən 

often attributive

: the breaking of double-stranded DNA into fragments by restriction enzymes

restriction sites

Legal Definition

restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion

1

: something that restricts: as

a

: a regulation that restricts or restrains

b

: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility

2

a

: an act of restricting

b

: the state of being restricted