1 restrain | Definition of restrain
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restrain

verb
re·​strain | \ ri-ˈstrān How to pronounce restrain (audio) \
restrained; restraining; restrains

Definition of restrain

transitive verb

1a : to prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something restrained the child from jumping
b : to limit, restrict, or keep under control try to restrain your anger
2 : to moderate or limit the force, effect, development, or full exercise of restrain trade
3 : to deprive of liberty especially : to place under arrest or restraint
Other Words from restrain Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about restrain

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Other Words from restrain

restrainable \ ri-​ˈstrā-​nə-​bəl How to pronounce restrainable (audio) \ adjective
restrainer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for restrain

restrain, check, curb, bridle mean to hold back from or control in doing something. restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes. restrained themselves from laughing check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus. trying to check government spending curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking. learn to curb your appetite bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in. bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Examples of restrain in a Sentence

He could not restrain the dog from attacking. He could restrain himself no longer. Hospital orderlies needed to restrain the patient. He was restrained and placed in a holding cell. He could barely restrain his anger. The manufacturer took measures to restrain costs.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Ford is recalling more than 550,000 trucks and SUVs in North America because seat backs may not properly restrain people in a crash. — NBC News, "Ford recalls 550K vehicles because seat back may fail," 30 Aug. 2019 That may sound like a hearty meal for the summer, but portions are restrained. — Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "At Coelum, go for the foie, skip the CBD," 27 Aug. 2019 The child was reportedly unbuckled inside a car-seat that was not restrained. — Sarah Horner, Twin Cities, "Woman charged with child endangerment after DWI crash with unrestrained baby in Arden Hills," 27 Aug. 2019 One thing that could restrain Trump's disruptive streak: self-interest. — Anchorage Daily News, "With the global economy slowing and the U.S.-China trade war escalating, Trump arrives at G-7 with a list of grievances," 24 Aug. 2019 The law was passed to define and restrain presidential power, which until then had been interpreted expansively under the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917. — Keith Bradsher, BostonGlobe.com, "Ahead of G-7, Trump asserts he can force US companies to leave China," 24 Aug. 2019 Prone restraint means the victim was likely restrained while on their abdomen and asphyxia primarily means oxygen has been barred from entering the airway. — Jessica Schladebeck, courant.com, "Darien man accused of killing Anguilla resort worker says he ‘would do it again’," 20 Aug. 2019 Throughout, Mangold and director of photography Eric Edwards keep the visual style restrained but effective. — David Hunter, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Cop Land': THR's 1997 Review," 15 Aug. 2019 The part of the brain that stimulates anger and aggression is larger in men, and the part that restrains anger is smaller in men. — George F. Will, The Mercury News, "Will: Trump doesn’t just pollute the social environment. He is the environment," 7 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'restrain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of restrain

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for restrain

Middle English restraynen, from Anglo-French restreindre, from Latin restringere to restrain, restrict, from re- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain

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More Definitions for restrain

restrain

verb
How to pronounce restrain (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of restrain

: to prevent (a person or animal) from doing something
: to prevent (a person or animal) from moving by using physical force
: to keep (something) under control

See the full definition for restrain in the English Language Learners Dictionary

restrain

verb
re·​strain | \ ri-ˈstrān How to pronounce restrain (audio) \
restrained; restraining

Kids Definition of restrain

1 : to keep from doing something I wanted to speak, but restrained myself.
2 : to keep back : curb He couldn't restrain his laughter.

restrain

transitive verb
re·​strain | \ ri-ˈstrān

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