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English Lexicon

Restraint

/rɪˈstreɪnt/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The action of holding something back or limiting something.

    "She showed great restraint by not responding to the provocation."
  2. 2

    A means of holding something back or limiting its expression.

    "The law serves as a restraint on excessive behavior."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Old French word restraint, past participle of restraindre, which traces back to the Latin restringere (re- 'back' + stringere 'to draw tight'). It entered Middle English in the 14th century, evolving from the physical sense of binding or holding back to mean self-control and moderation in behavior.

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