restraint Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of controlling by restraining someone or something
    • the unlawful restraint of trade
  2. noun discipline in personal and social activities
    control.
    • he was a model of polite restraint
    • she never lost control of herself
  3. noun the state of being physically constrained
    constraint.
    • dogs should be kept under restraint
  4. noun a rule or condition that limits freedom
    • legal restraints
    • restraints imposed on imports
  5. noun lack of ornamentation
    simplicity; simpleness; chasteness.
    • the room was simply decorated with great restraint
  6. noun a device that retards something's motion
    constraint.
    • the car did not have proper restraints fitted

WordNet

Re*straint" noun
Etymology
OF. restraincte, fr. restrainct, F. restreint, p. p. of restraindre, restrendre. See Restrain.
Definitions
  1. The act or process of restraining, or of holding back or hindering from motion or action, in any manner; hindrance of the will, or of any action, physical or mental.
    No man was altogether above the restrains of law, and no man altogether below its protection. Macaulay.
  2. The state of being restrained.
  3. That which restrains, as a law, a prohibition, or the like; limitation; restriction.
    For one restraint, lords of the world besides. Milton.
    Syn. -- Repression; hindrance; check; stop; curb;oercion; confinement; limitation; restriction.

Webster 1913