re ‧ straint AC /rɪˈstreɪnt/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ restrain ; noun : ↑ restraint ; adjective : ↑ restrained ≠ ↑ unrestrained ]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: restreinte , from restreindre ; ⇨ ↑ restrain ]
1 . [uncountable] calm sensible controlled behaviour, especially in a situation when it is difficult to stay calm SYN self-control :
The police were praised for their restraint in handling the demonstrators.
show/exercise restraint
He urged the millions of protesters to exercise restraint.
2 . [countable usually plural, uncountable] a rule or principle that limits what people can do
restraint on
Opposition politicians have called for restraints on public spending.
The government has imposed restraints on corporate mergers.
3 . [uncountable] formal physical force that is used to hold someone back, especially because they are likely to be violent:
Sometimes police officers have to use physical restraint to control dangerous prisoners.
4 . [countable] something that prevents someone from moving freely, such as a rope or a ↑ seat belt