Meaning & Definition of Restraint in English

1. The act of controlling by restraining someone or something

• "The unlawful restraint of trade"

2. Discipline in personal and social activities

• "He was a model of polite restraint"

• "She never lost control of herself"

3. The state of being physically constrained

• "Dogs should be kept under restraint"

4. A rule or condition that limits freedom

• "Legal restraints"

• "Restraints imposed on imports"

5. Lack of ornamentation

• "The room was simply decorated with great restraint"

6. A device that retards something's motion

• "The car did not have proper restraints fitted"