the act of controlling by restraining someone or something
"the unlawful restraint of trade"
the state of being physically constrained
"dogs should be kept under restraint"
a rule or condition that limits freedom
"legal restraints"
"restraints imposed on imports"
lack of ornamentation
"the room was simply decorated with great restraint"
a device that retards something's motion
"the car did not have proper restraints fitted"
something that restrains, ties, fastens or secures
"The safety restraint on the child's car seat held them securely during the ride."
In plain English: Restraint is holding back your feelings, actions, or impulses to avoid doing something you might regret later.
"She showed great restraint by not eating her entire share of cake at once."
Usage: Use restraint to refer to the act of holding back emotions or impulses rather than a physical device when discussing self-control. In legal contexts, distinguish between "reasonable restraint" as a limitation on freedom and "unlawful restraint" involving illegal confinement.
The word restraint entered English from the Old French term restreinte. It originally referred to the act of holding back or limiting someone's actions.