- To hold back or keep in check; control: couldn't restrain the tears.
- To hold (a person) back; prevent: restrained them from going.
- To deprive of freedom or liberty.
- To limit or restrict.
[Middle English restreinen, from Old French restraindre, restreign-, from Latin restringere, to bind back. See restrict.]
restrainable re·strain'a·ble adj.restrainedly re·strain'ed·ly (-strā'nĭd-lē) adv.
restrainer re·strain'er n.
SYNONYMS restrain, curb, check, bridle, inhibit. These verbs mean to hold back or keep under control. Restrain implies restriction or limitation, as on one's freedom of action: "a wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another" (Thomas Jefferson). To curb is to restrain as if with reins: "You might curb your magnanimity" (John Keats). Check implies arresting or stopping, often suddenly or forcibly: "a light to guide, a rod/To check the erring" (William Wordsworth). To bridle is often to hold in or govern one's emotions or passions: I tried with all my might to bridle my resentment. Inhibit usually connotes a check on one's actions, thoughts, or emotions: A fear of strangers inhibited his ability to travel.
