Definitions

1. noun

the act of holding or keeping something or someone back, or a restriction on someone’s actions or behavior

“The judge imposed a restraint on the company’s ability to expand its operations.”

2. noun

a feeling of reluctance or unwillingness to do something

“She felt a restraint in sharing her personal struggles with her friends.”

3. noun

a device or mechanism for holding or securing something, such as a horse or a person

“The horse was fitted with a restraint to prevent it from running too fast.”

4. noun

a feeling or atmosphere of calmness or serenity

“The peaceful garden created a sense of restraint, allowing her to relax.”

5. noun

the state of being restricted or limited

“The company’s financial restraint led to a reduction in staff.”

6. verb

to hold or keep something or someone back, or to restrict someone’s actions or behavior

“The government restrained the company from expanding its operations.”

7. verb

to limit or restrict something, such as a feeling or an action

“She restrained her emotions and tried to stay calm.”

8. verb

to hold or secure something, such as a horse or a person

“The trainer restrained the horse from running too fast.”

9. adjective

not easy to control or restrain, often because of strong emotions or impulses

“The child’s unruly behavior was a restraint on the teacher’s patience.”