WordGarden.iorestraint
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪstrˈeɪnt/
US
- /riˈstreɪnt/
Meanings
Noun
self-control in behavior, speech, or emotion
a limitation or check on what someone can do
the act or means of holding someone or something back from moving freely
Beyond the definition
Imagine a wild horse, full of energy and wanting to run free. Restraint is what holds it back—whether that's a strong fence, a gentle hand on the reins, or the horse's own inner discipline. It can be physical, like seat belts in a car, or internal, like resisting the urge to eat an entire cake!
We use "restraint" when talking about controlling impulses, emotions, or actions. A diplomat might show restraint during tense negotiations, carefully choosing their words to avoid conflict. An artist might exercise restraint in their work, knowing that sometimes less is more. Sometimes, restraint is forced upon us—like being held back by handcuffs. It's a powerful word about boundaries and control, both given and taken.
Restraint refers to the act of controlling something—whether it's your own impulses, another person's actions, or a physical force. It implies the act of holding back, limiting, or keeping something under control to maintain order or balance.
It appears in several distinct ways:
- Self-restraint: This is the internal ability to control your emotions and desires. It involves resisting temptation, staying calm under pressure, or thinking before you speak. For example, "She showed remarkable self-restraint when she learned about the betrayal."
- External restraint: This refers to an outside force used to limit someone or something else. This includes physical tools like handcuffs or safety harnesses, but it also extends to rules or official controls. A government might place restraints on trade, or a court might order someone to stay away from a certain place or person.
- Artistic/Aesthetic Restraint: In the world of design and art, the word describes a deliberate simplicity and the avoidance of excess. An architect might favor restraint by opting for clean lines and minimal ornamentation rather than flashy decorations.
Historically, "restraint" also carries legal connotations relating to the restriction of liberty or trade. While the contexts vary, the core idea remains the same: restraint is about the power to set boundaries and the discipline to stay within them.
Examples
- 1
Calm reply
Even when the discussion got personal, she replied with restraint.
- 2
Sports behavior
The coach told the players to show restraint after the win.
- 3
Self-control
He has enough restraint to stop himself from checking his phone every five minutes.
- 4
Public tension
Leaders on both sides called for restraint as tensions rose.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Spending
Once he started shopping online, he spent money without restraint.
- Phrasewithout restraint
without controlling yourself
- 6
Hospital safety
For safety reasons, the hospital avoids using physical restraints unless there is no other option.
See also
Similar
- self-control
- moderation
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- exercise restraint
- show restraint
- lack of restraint
- with restraint
Word family
Explore
- impulse control
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- restraintnoun
Forms
- restraintspluralnoun