RESTRAINT

[noun] [U]Restraint is calm and controlled behaviour.He showed admirable restraint, and refused to be provoked.The federal government appealed for restraint, insisting the crisis could be resolved without the use of force.The security forces exercised (= used) great restraint by not responding to hostile attacks or threats.A restraint is something which limits the freedom of someone or something, or which prevents something from growing or increasing.Government spending restraints mean that the plans to develop the harbour area have had to be delayed for several years. [C]The political reforms have been accompanied by an easing of restraints on the press. [C]A lack of space is the main restraint on the firm's expansion plans. [C]During the recession, the government opted for a policy of pay/wage restraint rather than a reduction in public investment. [U]If a violent person is kept/placed under restraint, they are kept in a way that prevents them from moving freely.The two prisoners were kept under restraint while they were transported between prisons.