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restrict
verb
limit, restrict, circumscribe, confine mean to set bounds for.
limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.
restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.
circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.
confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.
Examples of restrict in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'restrict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Latin restrictus, past participle of restringere
1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near restrict
Cite this Entry
“Restrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restrict. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
restrict
verbLegal Definition
restrict
transitive verbMore from Merriam-Webster on restrict
Nglish: Translation of restrict for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of restrict for Arabic Speakers
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