restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt 
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
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
Conservatives preach judicial restraint and deplore judicial activism, but this ruling is worse than activism.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2024
Unlike adults, babies pass gas with a little less decorum or restraint.
—Anita K. Henry, Parents, 1 July 2024
The executive branch could use the same humility and restraint.
—The Editors, National Review, 27 June 2024
When Katherine snaps one of her restraints during her exorcism, David jumps in to help the priests praying over her.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for restraint 
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2024
Unlike adults, babies pass gas with a little less decorum or restraint.
—Anita K. Henry, Parents, 1 July 2024
The executive branch could use the same humility and restraint.
—The Editors, National Review, 27 June 2024
When Katherine snaps one of her restraints during her exorcism, David jumps in to help the priests praying over her.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for restraint
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'restraint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near restraint
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restraint. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
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
: a device that restricts movement
restraints such as straitjackets for violent patients
Legal Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share