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English Dictionary

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 restrain restrain /riːˈstreɪn/

verb

  1. () Restrict (someone or something) so as to make free movement difficult  ( cumber [Archaic] , encumber , restrain )
    restrict (someone or something) so as to make free movement difficult
  2. () To close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement  ( confine , constrain , restrain , hold )
    to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement
     This holds the local until the express passengers change trains
    This holds the local until the express passengers change trains
     About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade
    About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade
     The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center
    The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center
     The terrorists held the journalists for ransom
    The terrorists held the journalists for ransom
  3. Prevent the action or expression of  ( hold back , keep , keep back , restrain )
    prevent the action or expression of
     Hold back your anger
    hold back your anger
     Keep your cool
    keep your cool
     She struggled to restrain her impatience at the delays
    she struggled to restrain her impatience at the delays
  4. Prevent (someone or something) from doing something  ( restrain )
    prevent (someone or something) from doing something
     Security guards restrained the reporter from throwing another shoe
    security guards restrained the reporter from throwing another shoe