v.
Pronunciation: ri- ' str ā n
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English restraynen, from Anglo-French restreindre, from Latin restringere to restrain, restrict, from re- + stringere to bind tight ― more at STRAIN
Date: 14th century
1 a : to prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something < restrain ed the child from jumping> b : to limit, restrict, or keep under control <try to restrain your anger>
2 : to moderate or limit the force, effect, development, or full exercise of < restrain trade>
3 : to deprive of liberty especially : to place under arrest or restraint
– re · strain · able \ - ' str ā -n ə -b ə l \ adjective
– re · strain · er noun
synonyms RESTRAIN , CHECK , CURB , BRIDLE mean to hold back from or control in doing something. RESTRAIN suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes < restrained themselves from laughing>. CHECK implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus <trying to check government spending>. CURB suggests an abrupt or drastic checking <learn to curb your appetite>. BRIDLE implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in < bridle an impulse to throw the book down>.