restraint

views updated

re·straint / riˈstrānt/ • n. 1. (often restraints) a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control or within limits: decisions are made within the financial restraints of the budget. ∎  the action of keeping someone or something under control. ∎  deprivation or restriction of personal liberty or freedom of movement: he remained aggressive and required physical restraint. ∎  a device that limits or prevents freedom of movement: car safety restraints.2. unemotional, dispassionate, or moderate behavior; self-control: he urged the protesters to exercise restraint. ∎  understatement, esp. of artistic expression: with strings and piano, all restraint vanished.