1 restriction | Definition of restriction
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion | \ ri-ˈstrik-shÉ™n How to pronounce restriction (audio) \

Definition of restriction

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 Example Sentences Learn More about restriction

Keep scrolling for more

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
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

 The restriction put San Francisco at odds with one of its most prominent hometown startups, Juul Labs. — Christopher Brito, CBS News, "Michigan has just become the first state to ban flavored e-cigarettes," 4 Sep. 2019 The smooth, adult bent of Nashville continued into the ’60s, sparking another rebellion among a loose crew of musicians who bridled at the restrictions imposed on them. — Los Angeles Times, "In 2019, country music has a raging identity crisis. For Ken Burns, that’s a 100-year-old story," 4 Sep. 2019 For nearby communities, water restrictions are frustrating. — Anna Clark, Twin Cities, "Anna Clark: Is Foxconn really worth risking a Great Lake?," 3 Sep. 2019 Edward Glossop, Latin America economist at Capital Economics, wrote in a note Monday that bringing the restrictions back could ease the flow of money from the country and slow the pace at which Argentina drains its currency reserves. — Julia Horowitz, CNN, "Argentina slaps controls on the peso as currency crisis grows," 2 Sep. 2019 Designed to safeguard the appearance, amenities and property values of the homes, the restrictions leave little room for personal flair, governing front-door colors, window coverings, plant choices — even how long a garage door can stay open. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Brit to HOA: ‘The flag is absolutely not coming down’," 1 Sep. 2019 The restrictions have also inspired the creation of newer groups. — NBC News, "The abortion underground: Groups quietly help women who have to travel to access care," 1 Sep. 2019 Still, the most contentious debates at this summit, as in previous ones, swirled around elephants—with proposals about opening up ivory trade, closing down domestic ivory markets, and loosening the restrictions limiting Zambia’s elephant sales. — National Geographic, "8 takeaways from the most important wildlife event you’ve never heard of," 30 Aug. 2019 The United States was among those that opposed the new restrictions. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Wildlife Trade Conference Imposes Near-Total Ban on Sending Wild African Elephants to Zoos," 30 Aug. 2019

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

See More

First Known Use of restriction

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for restriction

Middle English restriccioun, from Anglo-French restriction, from Late Latin restriction-, restrictio, from Latin restringere

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for restriction

restriction

noun
How to pronounce restriction (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of restriction

: a law or rule that limits or controls something
: the act of limiting or controlling something

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

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion | \ ri-ˈstrik-shÉ™n How to pronounce restriction (audio) \

Kids Definition of restriction

1 : something (as a law or rule) that limits There are restrictions on building.
2 : an act of limiting : the condition of being limited

restriction

noun, often attributive
re·​stric·​tion | \ ri-ˈstrik-shÉ™n How to pronounce restriction (audio) \

Medical Definition of restriction

: the breaking of double-stranded DNA into fragments by restriction enzymes restriction sites

Keep scrolling for more

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion

Legal Definition of restriction

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
2a : an act of restricting
b : the state of being restricted

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on restriction

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with restriction

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for restriction

Spanish Central: Translation of restriction

Nglish: Translation of restriction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of restriction for Arabic Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!