restraint

noun

re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt How to pronounce restraint (audio)
Synonyms 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

Synonyms of restraint

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Examples of restraint in a Sentence

Make sure the child safety restraint is in place. The prisoner was placed in restraints. His angry response showed a lack of restraint. The government has acted with restraint in dealing with this crisis.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gargash said Gulf Arab states cannot continue to be targeted as Iran wavers between escalation and restraint. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 Norway's model showcases a delicate balance of technology, regulation, and restraint, raising the question of whether this sustainable approach can scale without compromising its integrity. — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 The look has been updated with taste and restraint, so there’s no mistaking the 33/303’s lineage—even the dimensions are within 1 mm of the originals. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 8 July 2026 Rather than making her emotions obvious, Cardellini leaned into the character’s restraint. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for restraint

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French restreinte, from restreindre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of restraint was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing restraint

Rhymes for restraint

See All Rhymes for restraint

Browse Nearby Words

restraining order
restraint
restraint of marriage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restraint. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

restraint

noun
re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt How to pronounce restraint (audio)
1
: the act of restraining : the state of being restrained
held in restraint
2
: a restraining force or influence
3
: control over one's behavior
act with restraint

Medical Definition

restraint

noun
re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt How to pronounce restraint (audio)
: a device that restricts movement
restraints such as straitjackets for violent patients

Legal Definition

restraint

noun
re·​straint ri-ˈstrānt How to pronounce restraint (audio)
1
a
: an act or fact of restraining see also prior restraint
b
: the state of being restrained
2
a
: a means of restraining
b
: a device that restricts movement (as of prisoners or violent psychiatric patients)

More from Merriam-Webster on restraint

Nglish: Translation of restraint for Spanish Speakers

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