restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt 
1
a
: an act of restraining : the state of being restrained
b(1)
: a means of restraining : a restraining force or influence
(2)
: a device that restricts movement
a restraint for children riding in cars
2
: a control over the expression of one's emotions or thoughts
Synonyms
Examples of restraint in a Sentence
Make sure the child safety restraint is in place.
The prisoner was placed in restraints.
His angry response showed a lack of restraint.
The government has acted with restraint in dealing with this crisis.
Recent Examples on the Web
Where other series in its genre tend to showcase strong female characters breaking free of sexist restraints, Prophecy shows how its women leads use discrimination and subjugation to their advantage.
—
Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2024
Last month, Pavia filed an antitrust suit against the NCAA, arguing that its longstanding rule that counts junior college seasons toward an athlete’s four years of eligibility constituted an unlawful restraint on his ability to earn NIL compensation.
—Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
The inspector general for the Justice Department is currently investigating the use of restraints across all federal prisons.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
But both Turkey, a member of NATO, and Israel are American allies, putting the U.S. in a position to broker negotiations and urge restraint.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for restraint 
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Emma Stefansky, The Atlantic, 21 Dec. 2024
Last month, Pavia filed an antitrust suit against the NCAA, arguing that its longstanding rule that counts junior college seasons toward an athlete’s four years of eligibility constituted an unlawful restraint on his ability to earn NIL compensation.
—Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024
The inspector general for the Justice Department is currently investigating the use of restraints across all federal prisons.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
But both Turkey, a member of NATO, and Israel are American allies, putting the U.S. in a position to broker negotiations and urge restraint.
—David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for restraint
Dictionary Entries Near restraint
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restraint. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
1
: the act of restraining : the state of being restrained
held in restraint
2
: a restraining force or influence
3
: control over one's behavior
act with restraint
Medical Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
: a device that restricts movement
restraints such as straitjackets for violent patients
Legal Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
1
a
: an act or fact of restraining see also prior restraint
b
: the state of being restrained
2
a
: a means of restraining
b
: a device that restricts movement (as of prisoners or violent psychiatric patients)
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