— restrainable , adj. — restrainability , n. — restrainingly , adv.
/ri strayn"/ , v.t.
1. to hold back from action; keep in check or under control; repress: to restrain one's temper.
2. to deprive of liberty, as by arrest or the like.
3. to limit or hamper the activity, growth, or effect of: to restrain trade with Cuba.
[ 1350-1400; ME restreynen restreindre restringere to bind back, bind fast, equiv. to re- RE- + stringere to draw together; see STRAIN 1 ]
Syn. 1. bridle, suppress, constrain. See check. 2. restrict, circumscribe, confine, hinder, hamper.
Ant. 1. unbridle. 2. free, liberate.