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Definition of restrain

restrain

/rɪˈstreɪn/
re · strain
Adjective:restrainable
•
Past Simple:restrained
•
Past Participle:restrained
•
Present Participle:restraining
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restrain Lexical Profile

restrain Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To prevent someone or something from doing something; to keep under control or within limits.

Example

"She had to restrain herself from laughing during the solemn ceremony."

2

To deprive someone or something of freedom of movement or action, especially by physical force or binding.

Example

"The veterinarian gently restrained the nervous dog while administering the vaccine."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for restrain
Antonyms
View all antonyms for restrain

• Rhymes for restrain

• Nearby Words

restorative
restore
restorer
restrain
restrainable
restrained
restrainedly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'restreindre', from Latin 'restringere', meaning 'to draw back tightly' or 'to bind back' (from 're-', 'back', and 'stringere', 'to draw tight').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Restrain. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/restrain
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