restraint means something that restrains, ties, fastens or secures. It carries an Arena rating of 1498, earned across 2 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, restraint ranks #1,386 of 25,264 for Qualifying, #2,382 of 14,414 for Most Elegant Words, #4,239 of 14,322 for Scariest Words, #6,241 of 14,361 for Most Ingenious Words.
restraint is pronounced /ɹɪˈstɹeɪnt/.
Why “restraint” is a great word
The act or quality of imposing a limit upon freedom of action, or of holding oneself back. From Middle English *restreynte*, from Old French *restreinte* (noun use of the feminine past participle of *restreindre*, "to restrain"), from Latin *restringere* ("to bind back, confine"). Unlike a "restriction," which is often an external, codified rule, or a "suppression," which is a forceful, sometimes total, act of quelling, restraint is the quieter, more intimate governor. It is the unspoken word held behind clenched teeth, the hand that stops itself from reaching for a second glass, or the simple, dignified posture maintained in the face of provocation—a private pact with order in a world prone to spill.
Etymology
From Middle English restreynte, from Old French restreinte; more at restrain.
noun
- Something that restrains, ties, fastens or secures.“Make sure all the restraints are tight.”
- Control or caution; reserve.“Try to exercise restraint when talking to your boss.”
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.