Category:Restrain

Re*strain", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Restrained; p. pr. & vb. n. Restraining.] Etym: [oe. restreinen, f. restreindre, fr. L. Restringere, restrictum; pref. re- re- + stringere to draw, bind, or Press together. See strain, v. t., and cf. Restrict.]

1. To draw back again; to hold back from acting, proceeding, or Advancing, either by physical or moral force, or by any interposing Obstacle; to repress or suppress; to keep down; to curb. Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in Repose! Shak.

2. To draw back toghtly, as a rein. [obs.] Shak.

3. To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge. Though they two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty. Clarendon.

4. To limit; to confine; to restrict. Trench. Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral, universality also is To be restrained by a part of the predicate. I. Watts.

5. To withhold; to forbear. Thou restrained prayer before god. Job. xv. 4.

Syn. -- to check; hinder; stop; withhold; repress; curb; suppress; Coerce; restrict; limit; confine.