restrains
Keeps in check
Restrains means holds back or keeps in check.
A person restrains someone by physically preventing movement: Security guards restrained the fan who rushed the stage.
More abstractly, one restrains impulses, emotions, or spending.
Laws restrain behavior; budgets restrain ambitions.
To restrain oneself is to exercise self-control: She restrained herself from saying what she really thought.
Fastens or constrains
- chainsLinked metal restraints
- shacklesMetal bonds for prisoners
- handcuffsLocking wrist restraints
- pinsPointed sewing fasteners
immobilizes · secures · straps · tethers · leashes · muzzles · hobbles · fetters
Imposed maximum points
- restrictsPlaces limits upon
- inhibitsSlows or prevents action
- regulatesControls by rules
- disciplinesBranches of knowledge
constrains · curtails · prohibits · forbids · prevents · deters · discourages · dissuades
Operates or regulates
- suppressesActively prevents expression
- checksBank payment documents
- curbsLimits or restrains
- containsHolds within itself
tempers · moderates · stifles · bridles · swallows · represses · governs · masters
Ability to restrain impulses
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- composureEmotional self-control
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
- moderationAvoidance of excess
self-discipline · abstains · refrains · resists · forbears
binds
Fastens or constrains
pins · immobilizes · secures · straps · tethers · leashes · muzzles · hobbles · fetters · manacles
limits
Imposed maximum points
disciplines · constrains · curtails · prohibits · forbids · prevents · deters · discourages · dissuades · blocks
controls
Operates or regulates
- suppressesActively prevents expression
- checksBank payment documents
- curbsLimits or restrains
contains · tempers · moderates · stifles · bridles · swallows · represses · governs · masters · quells
self-control
Ability to restrain impulses
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- composureEmotional self-control
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
moderation · self-discipline · abstains · refrains · resists · forbears
safeguards
Measures preventing harm
seatbelts · guardrails · crates · kennels · playpens
- holds backwithholds, suppresses, represses, inhibits, curbs
- enclosesencloses, surrounds, encircles, encompasses, contains
restrainsreleases
Lets go or publishes
frees · liberates · unleashes · lets go · unshackles
restrainsindulges
Satisfies a desire freely
encourages · permits · allows · unleashes · lets loose
restrainspromotes
Advocates or elevates
encourages · forces · compels · enables · facilitates
- restraining orderCourt-enforced avoidance mandate
- child restraint systemVehicle seating for minors
- temporary restraining orderEmergency court-issued protection mandate
- child restraintSafety device securing young passengers
- without restraint
- head restraintVehicle neck protection device
restrain, restraint, restrained, restraining, unrestrained, restraints, restrainer, restrainers