restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt 
1
a
: an act of restraining : the state of being restrained
b(1)
: a means of restraining : a restraining force or influence
(2)
: a device that restricts movement
a restraint for children riding in cars
2
: a control over the expression of one's emotions or thoughts
Examples of restraint in a Sentence
Make sure the child safety restraint is in place.
The prisoner was placed in restraints.
His angry response showed a lack of restraint.
The government has acted with restraint in dealing with this crisis.
Recent Examples on the Web
The restaurant was in violation of 16 standards, including employees not using hair restraints and rust accumulation on prep surfaces.
—
Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Even more so is the builder, Collier Bashara of Collier Custom Homes, who emphasized the importance of restraint and respect for the past, while thoughtfully renovating the home to preserve its original 1940s character.
—Staff Author, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
That instinct toward restraint is personal.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Mohan has no issues with putting limitations on what eateries like 42 Bistro can do, but trusts military personnel to show restraint.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Even more so is the builder, Collier Bashara of Collier Custom Homes, who emphasized the importance of restraint and respect for the past, while thoughtfully renovating the home to preserve its original 1940s character.
—Staff Author, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
That instinct toward restraint is personal.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Mohan has no issues with putting limitations on what eateries like 42 Bistro can do, but trusts military personnel to show restraint.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restraint. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
1
: the act of restraining : the state of being restrained
held in restraint
2
: a restraining force or influence
3
: control over one's behavior
act with restraint
Medical Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
: a device that restricts movement
restraints such as straitjackets for violent patients
Legal Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
1
a
: an act or fact of restraining see also prior restraint
b
: the state of being restrained
2
a
: a means of restraining
b
: a device that restricts movement (as of prisoners or violent psychiatric patients)
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