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View synonyms for

restrain

[ri-streyn]

verb (used with object)

  1. to hold back from action; keep in check or under control; repress.

    to restrain one's temper.

    Synonyms: , , , ,
    Antonyms:
  2. to deprive of liberty, as by arrest or the like.

    Synonyms: , , , , ,
    Antonyms: , ,
  3. to limit or hamper the activity, growth, or effect of.

    to restrain trade with Cuba.



restrain

/ ɪˈٰɪ /

verb

  1. to hold (someone) back from some action, esp by force

  2. to deprive (someone) of liberty, as by imprisonment

  3. to limit or restrict

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • restrainable adjective
  • restrainability noun
  • restrainingly adverb
  • overrestrain verb (used with object)
  • prerestrain verb (used with object)
  • unrestrainable adjective
  • ˈٰԲ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of restrain1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English restreynen, from Middle French restreindre, from Latin restringere “to bind back, bind fast”; equivalent to re- + strain 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of restrain1

C14 restreyne , from Old French restreindre , from Latin ŧٰԲ to draw back tightly, from re- + stringere to draw, bind; see strain 1
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Synonym Study

See check 1.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The aim for many is not to catch or restrain criminals but to act as a deterrent.

From

The 9th Circuit stayed Breyer’s ruling hours after he issued a temporary restraining order that would have allowed California leaders to withdraw the National Guard soldiers from L.A.

From

A day after federal agents forcibly restrained and handcuffed U.S.

From

At this point three police officers attempted to restrain Dighton, and he stabbed Det Con Jack Cotton in the leg, wounding him.

From

And what was it like to sort of go from paced, restrained dialogue to break into the action like that?

From

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restr.re-strain