v.tr. 1 (often refl., usu. foll. by from) check or hold in; keep in check or under control or within bounds. 2 repress; keep down. 3 confine; imprison. restrainable adj. restrainer n.
[ ME f. OF restrei(g)n- stem of restreindre f. L restringere restrict- (as RE-, stringere tie) ]