restraint

re·straint

noun \ri-ˈstrānt\

Definition of RESTRAINT

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

Examples of RESTRAINT

1. Make sure the child safety restraint is in place.
2. The prisoner was placed in restraints.
3. His angry response showed a lack of restraint.
4. The government has acted with restraint in dealing with this crisis.

Origin of RESTRAINT

Middle English, from Anglo-French restreinte, from restreindre

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to RESTRAINT

Synonyms: continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, constraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression

Antonyms: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Related Words: command, control, mastery, possession; self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower; composure, self-poise, self-possession; aloofness, detachedness, distance; bashfulness, modesty, shyness; reticence, silence, taciturnity

Near Antonyms: self-abandonment, uninhibitedness; unrestrainedness; gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence; bluntness, candor, frankness; immoderacy, intemperance

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with RESTRAINT

acquaint, attaint, bepaint, complaint, constraint, distraint, greasepaint, impaint, oil paint, war paint