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   Re·straint

   /rəˈstrānt/

   

   noun

   • 1. a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control or within limits: "decisions are made within the financial restraints of the budget"
   • ▪ the action of keeping someone or something under control: "a policy of restraint in public spending"
   • ▪ deprivation or restriction of personal liberty or freedom of movement: "he remained aggressive and required physical restraint" Similar constraintcheckcontrolrestrictionlimitationcurtailmentreinbridlebrakedamperdeterrenthindranceimpedimentobstacleretardantinhibitioninformal:clampdownwet blanketconfinementcaptivitycustodydetentionimprisonmentinternmentincarcerationconstraintcommittalquarantinearrestarchaic:duressrare:detainmentOpposite incitement
   • ▪ a device which limits or prevents freedom of movement: "car safety restraints" Similar beltharnessstrap
   • 2. unemotional, dispassionate, or moderate behavior; self-control: "he urged the protesters to exercise restraint" Similar self-controlself-restraintself-disciplinecontrolmoderationtemperatenessabstemiousnessnonindulgenceprudencejudiciousnessreserveself-restraintself-controlself-possessionlack of emotionsobrietycoldnessformalityaloofnessdetachmentreticenceuncommunicativenessOpposite abandonforwardnessoutspokenness
   • ▪ understatement, especially of artistic expression: "with strings and piano, all restraint vanished" Similar subtletymutednessunderstatednesstastetastefulnessdelicacydelicatenessdiscretiondiscriminationOpposite excessindulgence

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French restreinte, feminine past participle of restreindre ‘hold back’ (see restrain).

   Scrabble Points: 9

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