restraint Definition

restrain
verb restrained, restraining

1. To prevent (someone, oneself, etc) from doing something.

Thesaurus: curb, discipline, limit, get hold of.
2. To keep (one's temper, ambition, etc) under control.

Thesaurus: hold back, restrict, suppress, bridle, govern, curtail, constrain, inhibit, hinder, hold, subdue, harness; Antonym: encourage, liberate.
3. To take away someone's freedom, especially by arresting them.

Derivative: restrained

Controlled; able to control one's emotions.

Showing restraint; without excess.
Thesaurus: moderate, controlled, discreet, understated, temperate, unobtrusive, mild, low-key, reticent, calm, reasonable, subdued.

Derivative: restrainedly
adverb

Derivative: restrainer
noun

Derivative: restraint

The act of restraining or state of being restrained.

A limit or restriction.
Thesaurus: limitation, control, inhibition, check, restriction, lid, rein; Antonym: freedom.

The avoidance of exaggeration or excess; the ability to remain calm and reasonable.

Etymology: 14c: from French restreindre, from Latin restringere.

Info:

See Usage Note at constrain.