re ‧ strain AC /rɪˈstreɪn/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ restrain ; noun : ↑ restraint ; adjective : ↑ restrained ≠ ↑ unrestrained ]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: restreindre , from Latin restringere , from stringere ; ⇨ ↑ stringent ]
1 . to stop someone from doing something, often by using physical force
restrain somebody from doing something
I had to restrain her from running out into the street.
He had to be restrained from using violence.
2 . to control your own emotions or behaviour:
Renwick restrained a feeling of annoyance.
restrain yourself (from doing something)
She could barely restrain herself from hitting him.
3 . to control or limit something that is increasing too much:
Price rises should restrain consumer spending.