restrain[verb]Synonyms: hold back, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, curtail, hamper, hinder, inhibit, restrict
Antonyms: impel, incite, abandon
Contrasted words: countenance, encourage, incline, induce, move, prompt, persuade, allow, permit
Related Idioms: keep in line, put (
or lay) under restraint
Related Words: arrest,
interrupt,
stop,
prevent,
forbear,
refrain,
block,
hinder,
impede,
obstruct,
gag,
muzzle [TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲
re‧strain AC /rɪˈstreɪn/
verb [transitive] [
Word Family: verb:
restrain;
noun:
restraint;
adjective:
restrained ≠
unrestrained]
[
Date: 1300-1400;
Language: Old French;
Origin: restreindre, from Latin restringere, from stringere; ⇒ stringent]
1. to stop someone from doing something, often by using physical force
restrain somebody from doing something
I had to restrain her from running out into the street. He had to be restrained from using violence.2. to control your own emotions or behaviour:
Renwick restrained a feeling of annoyance.restrain yourself (from doing something) She could barely restrain herself from hitting him.3. to control or limit something that is increasing too much:
Price rises should restrain consumer spending. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲