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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

restriction

rih-STRIHK-shuhn

Restriction (noun) means a rule or condition that limits what is allowed. Example: “Travel restrictions were lifted after the outbreak ended.”

noun
1
A rule or condition that limits what is allowed.
"Travel restrictions were lifted after the outbreak ended."
"There's a restriction on how many guests each ticket allows."
2
The general act or state of being limited.
"Years of dietary restriction had left him underweight."

How to use restriction

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA limit placed on something, or the condition of being limited.

Common pairings
lift a restriction travel restriction age restriction

Word forms

restrictions plural

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Test yourself on “restriction” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Travel _____ were lifted after the outbreak ended.

Etymology

From Latin restrictio, built the same way as restrict, with the noun-forming suffix -ion.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for restriction

See all rhymes for restriction →

Frequently asked questions

What does “restriction” mean?

The word “restriction” means a rule or condition that limits what is allowed. In plain terms, a limit placed on something, or the condition of being limited.

How do you pronounce “restriction”?

“Restriction” is pronounced rih-STRIHK-shuhn (/ɹɪˈstɹɪkʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “restriction” in a sentence?

Here is “restriction” used in a sentence: “Travel restrictions were lifted after the outbreak ended.”

What part of speech is “restriction”?

“Restriction” is a noun.

Where does the word “restriction” come from?

The word “restriction” comes from Latin. From Latin restrictio, built the same way as restrict, with the noun-forming suffix -ion.

Is “restriction” a common word?

“Restriction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “restriction” have?

“Restriction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rule or condition that limits what is allowed.

What is the difference between a restriction and a rule?

A restriction specifically limits what is allowed, while a rule can be any instruction governing behaviour, including ones that require action rather than limit it. Every restriction is a kind of rule, but not every rule is a restriction.

What is the difference between restriction and restraint?

A restriction is a rule or condition that limits what is allowed, often imposed externally, while a restraint more often refers to something that physically holds a person or object back, or self-control exercised internally. Restrictions tend to describe policies, while restraints can describe both physical devices and personal discipline.

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