Definitions

restrain

[ri-streyn] / rɪˈstreɪn /

VERB

keep under control; hold back

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confine constrain control curb curtail detain deter govern hamper hinder inhibit keep down kill limit prevent repress restrict subdue suppress

STRONG

arrest bind bridle chain check circumscribe contain control cool cork debar delimit direct fetter gag guide harness hold impound imprison jail keep manacle muzzle pinion proscribe stay

WEAK

bottle up box up choke back crack down hem in hogtie keep in line lock up pull back sit on tie down tie up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid allow assist encourage free help let go liberate permit promote release start turn on

STRONG

abandon forsake give up leave loose loosen misguide mislead neglect set free

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Another tip: Restrain yourself from cranking the thermostat too high when you come into your home.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2021

Her advice: Restrain your dog in the back seat with a harness, with the leash clipped on, in case Dash decides to dart out of the car during a pit stop.

From Washington Post • Apr. 26, 2018

Restrain the impulse, and you may only bring forth empty images, beautiful and static.

From Time Magazine Archive

And ye, Bethlehem palm-trees, As stormy winds rush In tempest and fury Your angry noise hush;— Move gently, move gently, Restrain your wild sweep; Hold your branches at rest— My Babe is asleep.

From In The Yule-Log Glow—Book 3 Christmas Poems from 'round the World by Morris, Harrison S. (Harrison Smith)

His beauty such, all ladies are his friends; Not one looks on him but to smile, nor can Restrain her laughing joy.

From La Chanson de Roland : Translated from the Seventh Edition of Léon Gautier by Rabillon, Léonce

Vocabulary lists containing restrain

List 10

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Seedfolks

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"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"

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