Meaning of Word
Restrain refers to the act of holding back, limiting, or controlling someone or something, either physically, emotionally, or legally.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Verb: To prevent someone or something from moving freely or from taking action.
- Verb: To exercise control over one’s emotions, impulses, or behavior.
- Verb: To limit, curb, or restrict the development or progress of something.
- Verb: To hold or keep something in check, preventing it from expanding or continuing.
- Verb: To impose limitations or restrictions on someone or something.
History and Origin
“Restrain” comes from the Latin restringere, meaning “to bind back” or “to limit,” from re- (back) and stringere (to bind or tighten). It entered the English language during the Middle Ages, initially with the meaning of holding something back physically and later extending to controlling emotions or behaviors.
Detailed Explanation
The verb “restrain” involves any act of stopping, controlling, or limiting an individual, object, or process. In physical terms, it can refer to holding someone back through force or tools, like handcuffs. In emotional or psychological contexts, it involves self-discipline, controlling impulses or feelings. Legally, restraint can refer to restrictions on actions or freedom, such as legal orders or societal rules. It implies a controlled action to prevent harm, excessive action, or unregulated behavior.
Example Sentences
- The police had to restrain the crowd to prevent violence.
- She struggled to restrain her anger during the heated argument.
- The government enacted laws to restrain illegal activities.
- He used all his willpower to restrain his urge to eat sweets.
- The teacher asked the students to restrain their excitement until the surprise was revealed.
- His emotions were so overwhelming that he couldn’t restrain his tears.
- The coach encouraged the players to restrain from over-celebrating during the game.
- The fence was installed to restrain the dogs from running out of the yard.
- Financial restraints forced the company to reconsider its expansion plans.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Control: To manage or regulate something to prevent excess.
- Limit: To set boundaries or restrictions on something.
- Curb: To control or restrain the growth or actions of something.
- Suppress: To prevent something from being expressed or happening.
- Contain: To keep something within boundaries or prevent it from spreading.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Restraint: The act of holding back or limiting someone or something.
- Inhibit: To prevent or hinder the progress or development of something.
- Detain: To keep someone in custody or restrict their movement.
- Restrictive: Imposing limits or constraints.
- Prohibit: To formally forbid or prevent something.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Self-restraint: The ability to control one’s own actions or emotions.
- Physical Restraint: The act of physically holding back or controlling movement.
- Emotional Restraint: The ability to control or suppress emotional reactions.
- Legal Restraint: Restrictions imposed by laws or regulations.
- Financial Restraint: Limiting expenditures or economic resources.
Antonyms
- Release: To allow freedom or the act of letting go.
- Liberate: To set free or remove restrictions.
- Unleash: To release or allow something to act freely.
- Permit: To allow something to happen without restriction.
- Encourage: To support or stimulate the growth or actions of something.
