I. rə̇ˈstriktiv, rēˈs-, -ktēv also -ktəv adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French restrictif, serving to restrict, astringent, from Latin restrictus (past participle of restringere to restrict) + Middle French -if -ive — more at restrain
1. obsolete : astringent , binding , styptic
2. : serving or tending to restrict : conveying restrictions
a restrictive tariff
restrictive regulations
a restrictive railroad signal
3. : expressing a limitation of the reference of the term qualified
a restrictive adjective
restrictive phrases
— see restrictive clause
4. : prohibiting further negotiation or giving authority to deal with an instrument as directed but not to transfer ownership
a restrictive endorsement of a negotiable instrument
• re·stric·tive·ly -tə̇vlē, -li adverb
• re·stric·tive·ness -tivnə̇s, -tēv- also -təv- noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
: a restrictive term or expression