restrain
VerbWordNet 3.0
Verb (5)
- keep under control; keep in check“suppress a smile”“Keep your temper”“keep your cool”Synonyms: keepkeep backhold back
- place limits on (extent or access)“restrict the use of this parking lot”“limit the time you can spend with your friends”Synonyms: restricttrammellimitboundconfinethrottle
- to close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement“This holds the local until the express passengers change trains”“About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade”“The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center”“The terrorists held the journalists for ransom”Synonyms: confinehold
- hold backSynonyms: encumbercumberconstrain
- to compel or deter by or as if by threatsSynonyms: intimidate
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Restrain \Re*strain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Restrained; p. pr. & vb. n. Restraining.] [OE. restreinen, F. restreindre, fr. L. restringere, restrictum; pref. re- re- + stringere to draw, bind, or press together. See Strain, v. t., and cf. Restrict.]
1.To draw back again; to hold back from acting, proceeding, or advancing, either by physical or moral force, or by any interposing obstacle; to repress or suppress; to keep down; to curb. [1913 Webster]
Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose!— Shak.[1913 Webster]
2.To draw back toghtly, as a rein. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3.To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge. [1913 Webster]
Though they two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty.— Clarendon.[1913 Webster]
4.To limit; to confine; to restrict. --Trench. [1913 Webster]
Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral, universality also is to be restrained by a part of the predicate.— I. Watts.[1913 Webster]
5.To withhold; to forbear. [1913 Webster]
Thou restrained prayer before God.— Job. xv. 4.[1913 Webster]
Syn: To check; hinder; stop; withhold; repress; curb; suppress; coerce; restrict; limit; confine. [1913 Webster]