restrain

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re·strain / riˈstrān/ • v. [tr.] prevent (someone or something) from doing something; keep under control or within limits: he had to be restrained from walking out of the meeting | [as adj.] (restraining) Cara put a restraining hand on his arm. ∎  prevent oneself from displaying or giving way to (a strong urge or emotion: Amos had to restrain his impatience. ∎  deprive (someone) of freedom of movement or personal liberty: leg cuffs are used in the U.S. for restraining and transporting extremely violent and dangerous criminals. ∎  (of a seat belt) hold (a person or part of their body) down and back while in a vehicle seat.DERIVATIVES: re·strain·a·ble adj.re·strain·er n.ORIGIN: Middle English: from Old French restreign-, stem of restreindre, from Latin restringere, from re- ‘back’ + stringere ‘to tie, pull tight.’