restrain
8 synonyms and 3 antonyms for restrain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To hold back or keep someone or something under control.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use restrain
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
restrain oneself
physically restrain
restrain spending
Etymology
From Old French restreindre, from Latin restringere, "to bind fast, restrict" — the same root that gives us "restrict" and "string."
Full origin of restrain →Frequently asked questions
What does “restrain” mean?
The word “restrain” means to hold back or keep someone or something under control. In plain terms, to hold back or keep under control, whether that's a person, an emotion, or spending.
How do you pronounce “restrain”?
“Restrain” is pronounced rih-STRAYN (/ɹɪˈstɹeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “restrain” in a sentence?
Here is “restrain” used in a sentence: “Security had to restrain the unruly fan.”
What is another word for “restrain”?
Words with a similar meaning to “restrain” include limit and withstrain.
What part of speech is “restrain”?
“Restrain” is a verb.
Where does the word “restrain” come from?
The word “restrain” comes from Latin. From Old French restreindre, from Latin restringere, "to bind fast, restrict" — the same root that gives us "restrict" and "string.".
Is “restrain” a common word?
“Restrain” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “restrain” have?
“Restrain” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hold back or keep someone or something under control.
