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

Experts agree, and studies show, that police shootings are often lower in states with fewer gun sales and more gun restrictions. —Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024

Biden touts health agenda The restriction on short-term insurance plans comes as the Biden administration works to shore up the Affordable Care Act federal and state marketplaces, which showed record enrollment – with more than 21 million people signing up this year. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Plus, cities could also make their own restrictions. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

Many parental controls like website restrictions will still work when a device is in Assistive Access mode and should be properly set up first. —Heather Kelly, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024

Uganda has faced international consequences for passing the law, with the World Bank suspending all new funding and the United States imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on top Ugandan officials. —Abdi Latif Dahir, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024

While some card issuers don’t have age restrictions, others require a minimum age of 13 or older. —Lauren Schwahn Of Nerdwallet, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024

Pakistan’s economy is suffering from relatively low growth and high levels of inflation, and trade restrictions have made Indian products more expensive. —Hasan Ali, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Apr. 2024

The name of Lockdown, a new bar from the same owners, refers to Hong Kong’s pandemic restrictions, and the offerings include experimental versions of American Prohibition-era cocktails (from 120 dollars) served in an elegant space (in spite of the toilet displayed in its front window). —Tiffany May, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 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