C1noun formal 3K

Restraint

🇬🇧 UK /["/rɪˈstreɪnt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/rɪˈstreɪnt/"]/

Meaning of Restraint

a rule, a fact, an idea, etc. that limits or controls what people can do

In simple words: Control over your feelings or actions.

Restraint in a sentence

• She showed great restraint by not reacting angrily to the criticism.
• The use of physical restraint is sometimes necessary in medical settings to protect patients.
• Financial restraint is essential during economic downturns to avoid debt.
• He admired her restraint in spending money on unnecessary items.
• The security officers applied restraint to control the violent protester.
• Restraint in speech can be a sign of wisdom and prudence.

How to use Restraint

Used in academic or serious discussions, typically regarding self-control or moderation. Not used in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

use + restraint

Memory hint

Think 'restrain' — imagine holding back a playful puppy.

Related words

Collocations with Restraint

• voluntary
• conventional
• physical
• impose
• use
• remove
• without restraint
• restraint on
• restraint upon
• voluntary
• conventional
• physical
• impose
• use
• remove
• without restraint
• restraint on
• restraint upon
• considerable
• great
• remarkable
• have
• exercise
• practise/​practice
• with restraint
• without restraint
• restraint by
• voluntary
• conventional
• physical
• impose
• use
• remove
• without restraint
• restraint on
• restraint upon

Synonyms for Restraint

• self-control

Opposites of Restraint

• excess
• indulgence
• liberation

Common mistakes with Restraint

• Confused with 'restraint' vs 'restrainted' — 'restraint' is a noun.
• Used the word in a context where emotions are not the focus.
• Incorrectly assumed it can mean 'relaxation'.

Frequently asked questions about Restraint

What does Restraint mean?

Control over your feelings or actions.

What is the definition of Restraint?

a rule, a fact, an idea, etc. that limits or controls what people can do

How do you use Restraint in a sentence?

She showed great restraint by not reacting angrily to the criticism.

Can you give another example of Restraint?

The use of physical restraint is sometimes necessary in medical settings to protect patients.

What are synonyms for Restraint?

Common alternatives include self-control.

What is the opposite of Restraint?

Opposite meanings include excess, indulgence, liberation.

What words go with Restraint?

It commonly pairs with voluntary, conventional, physical, impose, use, remove, without restraint, restraint on, restraint upon, voluntary, conventional, physical, impose, use, remove, without restraint, restraint on, restraint upon, considerable, great, remarkable, have, exercise, practise/​practice, with restraint, without restraint, restraint by, voluntary, conventional, physical, impose, use, remove, without restraint, restraint on, restraint upon.

What are common mistakes when using Restraint?

Confused with 'restraint' vs 'restrainted' — 'restraint' is a noun. Used the word in a context where emotions are not the focus. Incorrectly assumed it can mean 'relaxation'.

How do you pronounce Restraint?

US: /["/rɪˈstreɪnt/"]/, UK: /["/rɪˈstreɪnt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Restraint formal or informal?

"Restraint" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Restraint?

Used in academic or serious discussions, typically regarding self-control or moderation. Not used in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Restraint?

"Restraint" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.