Synonyms for

Restrain

Verb / ri:ˈstreɪn / Another word for restrain — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to prevent someone or something from doing something; to hold back

Synonyms & similar words

throttle bound hold keepback confine holdback intimidate constrain trammel restrict limit keep cumber encumber restrict constrain inhibit curb control limit check block stop hinder hamper obstruct impede bind tie fetter shackle handcuff detain

Synonyms by register

Formal

suppress curb hinder prohibit

Informal

hold back keep in check stop

Literary

fetter manacle shackle

Antonyms

release allow loosen free unleash liberate encourage

Common collocations

  • restrain oneself
  • restrain from
  • restrain movement
  • restrain growth
  • restrain trade
  • restrain the urge
  • restrain a suspect

Word family

noun restraint
verb restrain
adjective restrained

Usage note

Often used with 'oneself' to indicate self-control. Can imply physical or emotional control.

Example sentences

  1. I had to restrain myself from eating too much candy.
  2. The teacher restrained the kids from running in the hallway.
  3. The fence was built to restrain the horses from getting out of the field.
  4. The doctor had to restrain the patient during the procedure.
  5. The team had to restrain their excitement until the game was over.

Quotes

  • We cannot afford to be restrained by the past.
  • Experience has shown, and a true philosophy will always show, that a vast, perhaps the larger, portion of truth arises from the seemingly irrelevant.
  • It is the nature of the artist to mind excessively what is said about him. Literature is strewn with the wreckage of men who have minded beyond reason the opinions of others.

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