restraint
n. C / Un. the ability to control your own behavior or emotions, especially when you are angry or excited. It can also mean a rule or physical force that stops someone from doing something.
n. the quality of exercising self-control over one's impulses or emotions; alternatively, a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control. Often used in legal or political contexts to describe limitations on power or movement.
He showed great restraint by not shouting back.
The police officer exercised admirable restraint when dealing with the aggressive crowd during the protest.
The treaty imposes significant restraints on the proliferation of nuclear weapons, requiring each signatory to submit to regular inspections by international observers.
From Middle English restreynte, from Old French restreinte; more at restrain.
Uncountable when referring to the abstract quality of self-control; countable when referring to specific physical or legal limitations.