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
The Department of Education has said in its restraint and seclusion resource document there is no evidence restraint and seclusion reduce problem behaviors.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 26 Jan. 2025
The tether, or rope, is a restraint tool, according to the report.
—Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Meta will err on the side of leaving up content that does not violate the law or otherwise foster offline harm, and loosen speech restraints on political subjects including immigration and gender identity.
—Suzanne Nossel, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025
In a second Trump administration, however, OMB leadership may be less focused on restraint and more on asserting unilateral presidential power.
—Bridget C.e. Dooling, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for restraint
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French restreinte, from restreindre
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of restraint was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing restraint
Dictionary Entries Near restraint
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restraint. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Kids 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)
More from Merriam-Webster on restraint
Nglish: Translation of restraint for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of restraint for Arabic Speakers
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