Added 9 October 2026
restrain
/ɹɪˈstɹeɪn/ verb
In Latin: reprimō, teneo, refrēnō Wiktionary
verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about restrain at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
To close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement.
This holds the local until the express passengers change trains
- Restrict (someone or something) so as to make free movement difficult.
-
Prevent (someone or something) from doing something.
security guards restrained the reporter from throwing another shoe
Origin
From Middle English restreinen, from Old French restreindre, from Latin rēstringere (“fasten, tighten”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)