re·strain
(rĭ-strāń)
[Middle English restreinen, from Old French restraindre, restreign-, from Latin restringere, to bind back; see restrict.]
transitive verb: -strained, -strain·ing, -strains.
- To hold back or keep in check; control: couldn't restrain the tears.
- To hold (a person) back; prevent: restrained them from going.
- To deprive of freedom or liberty.
- To limit or restrict.
derivatives
- re·straińa·ble
- adjective
- re·straińed·ly
- adverb
- re·straińer
- noun
synonyms:
restrain, curb, check, bridle, inhibit These verbs mean to hold back or keep under control. Restrain implies restriction or limitation, as on one's freedom of action: “a wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another” (Thomas Jefferson) To curb is to restrain as if with reins: “You might curb your magnanimity” (John Keats) Check implies arresting or stopping, often suddenly or forcibly: “a light to guide, a rod/To check the erring” (William Wordsworth) To bridle is often to hold in or govern one's emotions or passions: I tried with all my might to bridle my resentment. Inhibit usually connotes a check on one's actions, thoughts, or emotions: A fear of strangers inhibited his ability to travel.
