2 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
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.
Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives
way to in repose! --Shak.
2. To draw back toghtly, as a rein. [Obs.] --Shak.
3. To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge.
Though they two were committed, at least restrained
of their liberty. --Clarendon.
4. To limit; to confine; to restrict. --Trench.
Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral,
universality also is to be restrained by a part of
the predicate. --I. Watts.
5. To withhold; to forbear.
Thou restrained prayer before God. --Job. xv 4.
Syn: To check; hinder; stop; withhold; repress; curb;
suppress; coerce; restrict; limit; confine.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
restrain
v 1: keep under control [syn: {keep}, {keep back}, {hold back}]
2: place limits on "restrict the use of this parking lot"
[syn: {restrict}, {trammel}, {limit}, {bound}, {confine},
{throttle}]
3: 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" [syn: {confine}, {hold}]
4: hold back [syn: {encumber}, {cumber}, {constrain}]
5: to compel or deter by or as if by threats [syn: {intimidate}]
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