restraint

Pronunciation: rih-STRAYNT

noun

Difficulty: common

Definition of restraint

A measure or condition that limits or regulates someone's actions or behavior, often implying self-discipline or external control.

Origin of restraint

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: restringere

Original meaning: to bind tightly

How it evolved: Initially used to describe physical binding, the word evolved to encompass broader notions of control, including emotional and behavioral discipline.

The word 'restraint' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old French 'restreinte,' which traces back to the Latin 'restringere,' meaning 'to bind tightly.'

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember restraint

Picture a tight belt 'restraining' someone from overeating—a clear reminder of self-control and moderation.

Synonyms for restraint

Antonyms of restraint

  • freedom
  • liberation
  • excess
  • impulsiveness
  • abandon

restraint in a Sentence

  1. The diplomat exercised great restraint during the heated negotiations, ensuring the conversation remained constructive.
  2. Artistic restraint is often as important as creativity in producing a balanced and impactful masterpiece.
  3. Despite the provocative comments, she responded with restraint, showcasing her maturity and composure.

restraint in Literature & Culture

The idea of restraint is frequently explored in literature and speeches, often symbolizing maturity, wisdom, or the tension between freedom and control, as seen in works by Shakespeare and Martin Luther King Jr.

Usage Notes

Restraint often carries a positive connotation, suggesting wisdom and self-control, but in some contexts, it can imply an unwanted limitation or suppression imposed by external forces.

Why restraint Matters for GRE & SAT

Restraint is a highly versatile word that appears in contexts involving self-control, regulation, and discipline—concepts that are frequently tested on the GRE in analytical writing and reading comprehension sections.

Word Family

restrain (verb)
To hold back or prevent someone or something from acting freely.
restrained (adjective)
Characterized by moderation or self-control; not excessive or flamboyant.
restraining (adjective)
Acting to hold back or limit actions or behavior.

Did You Know?

  • The concept of restraint is central to many philosophical traditions, including Stoicism, which emphasizes self-control as a virtue.
  • Famous author Oscar Wilde once remarked, 'Restraint adds charm to the pursuit of pleasure,' highlighting its aesthetic value in life and art.
  • The word 'restraint' is often used in legal contexts, such as 'restraint of trade,' referring to practices that limit free competition.
  • constraint
  • Recalcitrant — Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude; stubbornly resistant to authority.
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
  • rampant — unrestrained or unchecked, usually in a negative manner

More Vocabulary Words Starting with R

  • Recalcitrant — Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude; stubbornly resistant to authority.
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
  • radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
  • ramification — A consequence of an action or event, especially a complex one
  • ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
  • rampant — unrestrained or unchecked, usually in a negative manner
  • rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way