restraint

8 definitions • 14 examples

calm and controlled behaviour:

He showed admirable restraint, and refused to be provoked.

The security forces exercised (= used) great restraint by not responding to hostile attacks and threats.

something that limits the freedom of someone or something, or that prevents something from growing or increasing:

government spending restraints

Lack of space is the main restraint on the firm's expansion plans.

During the recession, the government opted for a policy of pay/wage restraint rather than a reduction in public investment.

to keep a violent person in a way that prevents them from moving freely:

The two prisoners were kept under restraint while they were transported between prisons.

determined control over behavior in order to prevent the strong expression of emotion or any violent action:

[ U ] You really have to show a lot of restraint to stay out of debt.

A restraint is something that limits freedom of movement, action, or growth:

[ C ] Social restraints seem to have become dangerously unrestrictive.

a rule or an agreement that limits the freedom of a person, organization, or country, or that prevents something from growing or increasing:

restraints on sth The bill urges the government to impose restraints on imports.

export/import restraints

budget restraints

financial/fiscal/spending restraints

the act of preventing something from growing or increasing:

The oil industry is exercising restraint.

an illegal agreement that damages someone's ability to do business:

Any contract which interferes with the free exercise of his trade or business is a contract in restraint of trade.