restrain

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈstɹeɪn/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb keep under control; keep in check
  2. verb place limits on (extent or access)
  3. verb to close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement

Etymology

From Middle English restreinen, from Old French restreindre, from Latin rēstringere (“fasten, tighten”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

keep, keep back, hold back

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
inhibit
Narrower (hyponyms)
confine, control, hold

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