restrain (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /rɪˈstreɪn/

Definition

To stop someone or something from doing something, especially by using physical force or control.

Examples

• The guards were ordered to restrain the prisoner.

• She tried to restrain her laughter.

• It's difficult to restrain a child's curiosity.

How to Use restrain

restrain from (prepositional phrase)

To stop oneself from doing something. — "She had to restrain herself from crying."

restrain someone/something (collocation)

To physically stop someone or something from moving or acting. — "The police managed to restrain the suspect."

restrain growth/spending/inflation (collocation)

To limit or control the increase of something. — "The central bank is trying to restrain inflation."

Synonyms of restrain

Words with a similar meaning to restrain:

• stop
• prevent
• hold back
• curb

Antonyms of restrain

Words with the opposite meaning to restrain:

• encourage
• release
• unleash

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