Inflected forms: re·strained, re·strain·ing, re·strains 1a. To hold back or keep in check; control: couldn't restrain the tears.b. To hold (a person) back; prevent: restrained them from going.2. To deprive of freedom or liberty. 3. To limit or restrict.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English restreinen, from Old French restraindre, restreign-, from Latin restringere, to bind back. See restrict.
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.
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-str
n
) —ADVERB
