# restraining

/ɹiˈstɹeɪnɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹɪstɹˈeɪnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/restraining
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. limiting movement or action

adjective · CEFR B2

limiting someone's freedom or stopping them from moving or acting freely.

For teachers: serving to restrict, limit, or control the actions or physical movement of a person or entity.

- The tight straps felt very restraining as he tried to move his arms.
- The new regulations acted as a restraining force on the company's ability to expand into international markets without oversight.

### 2. legal protection

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

describing a legal order that stops someone from going near or contacting another person.

For teachers: relating to a judicial order that prohibits a specific person from carrying out a particular action, especially approaching or contacting another.

- She had to apply for a restraining order to keep her ex-partner away from her house.
- The judge granted a temporary restraining order to prevent the developer from demolishing the historic building before the full hearing.

### 3. the act of limiting

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of stopping someone from doing something or keeping them under control.

For teachers: the action or process of holding someone back or keeping someone under control by force or authority.

- The restraining of the suspect was done quickly to ensure everyone's safety.
- The ethical guidelines regarding the physical restraining of patients in psychiatric wards are subject to strict annual review.

## Examples

- The police had to use a restraining hold on the suspect.
- The judge issued a restraining order to prevent the man from contacting his former business partner.
- Despite the restraining influence of the central bank, inflation continued to rise due to global supply chain disruptions and increased energy costs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.