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restrain |
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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