n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to assign certain limits to : PRESCRIBE <reserved the right to limit use of the land>
2 a : to restrict the bounds or limits of <the specialist can no longer limit himself to his specialty> b : to curtail or reduce in quantity or extent <we must limit the power of aggressors>
– lim · it · able \ -m ə -t ə -b ə l \ adjective
– lim · it · er noun
synonyms 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 <visits are limited to 30 minutes>. RESTRICT suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary <laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press>. CIRCUMSCRIBE stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries <the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed >. CONFINE suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering <our choices were confined by finances>.