/ rɪˈstrɪkt; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
restrict sth (to sth) to limit the size, amount or range of sth :
Speed is restricted to 30 mph in towns.
We restrict the number of students per class to 10.
Fog severely restricted visibility.
Having small children tends to restrict your freedom.
2.
to stop sb/sth from moving or acting freely
SYN impede :
The long skirt restricted her movements.
3.
restrict sth (to sb) to control sth with rules or laws :
Access to the club is restricted to members only.
4.
restrict yourself / sb (to sth / to doing sth) to allow yourself or sb to have only a limited amount of sth or to do only a particular kind of activity :
I restrict myself to one cup of coffee a day.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from Latin restrict- confined, bound fast, from the verb restringere , from re- back + stringere to tie, pull tight.