Restrain (Verb)
Meaning 1
Prevent (someone or something) from doing something; "security guards restrained the reporter from throwing another shoe".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The authorities worked to restrain the protesters from entering the restricted area.
- Strong winds made it difficult to restrain the helicopter from swaying violently.
- Her mother stepped in to restrain her angry daughter from lashing out at her brother.
- Police officers were forced to restrain the suspect from escaping the crime scene.
- The government put measures in place to restrain the company from polluting the environment.
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Meaning 2
To close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement; "This holds the local until the express passengers change trains"; "About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade"; "The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center"; "The terrorists held the journalists for ransom".
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- The park rangers had to restrain the aggressive bear to protect visitors in the area.
- The police officer's duty was to restrain anyone who interfered with the crime scene.
- The government had to take steps to restrain inflation and stabilize the economy.
- She was asked to restrain her enthusiasm during the meeting to avoid overwhelming her clients.
- A temporary order was issued to restrain the company from selling their new product until patent issues could be resolved.
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Meaning 3
Restrict (someone or something) so as to make free movement difficult.
Classification
Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging.
Examples
- The authorities had to restrain the aggressive protester with handcuffs to prevent him from causing further harm.
- Seatbelts are designed to restrain passengers in their seats during sudden car stops.
- She struggled to restrain her excited dog as they walked near the park where other dogs were playing.
- The new policy aims to restrain industrial pollution by setting strict regulations and fines.
- Narrow, rigid casts can be used to restrain broken limbs while they heal.
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Meaning 4
Prevent the action or expression of; "hold back your anger"; "keep your cool"; "she struggled to restrain her impatience at the delays".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- She struggled to restrain her laughter during the meeting.
- The police officer ordered the man to restrain himself and remain calm.
- He had trouble restraining his anger towards his ex-partner after the argument.
- The parent found it challenging to restrain the child's enthusiasm about going to the amusement park.
- A combination of self-control and willpower helped her restrain her urge to respond impulsively.