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

The restrictions on the AP followed earlier moves to kick out outlets like NBC News, CNN and The New York Times from regular workspace at the Pentagon, in favor of a lineup of conservative or right wing outlets that will take their place as part of a new rotation program. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, policymakers—until Trump's recent shift—seized on public uncertainty to push for additional restrictions or cast doubt on the industry's legitimacy. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

The restriction would increase over time so that in seven years, 15 percent of exports would need to move on U.S.-flagged vessels, including 5 percent on U.S.-built vessels. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 Feb. 2025

The chunk with Section 2 lacks the actual restrictions, while the Schedule A chunk lacks the context that these are employee obligations. —Meghana Puvvadi, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for restriction

• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction
• depiction
• eviction
• infliction
• nonfiction
• prediction
• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction

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