What does "restriction" mean?

1. (a limiting rule) a rule or law that limits what people can do or how something can be used. 2. (the act of limiting) the act of limiting something or the state of being limited. 3. (DNA degradation) a process where a cell breaks down foreign DNA to protect itself.

restriction

US //ɹiˈstɹɪkʃən// UK //ɹɪstɹˈɪkʃən// re·stric·tion

1 a limiting rule (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a rule or law that limits what people can do or how something can be used.

a specific regulation, law, or constraint that limits or controls action or use.

Example

The government introduced new travel restrictions to stop the spread of the virus.

Example

The city council imposed strict parking restrictions in the historic district to reduce traffic congestion during the peak tourist season.
- freedom
- permission
2 the act of limiting (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of limiting something or the state of being limited.

the act of limiting or the condition of being constrained; often used as an uncountable concept.

Example

The restriction of free speech is a serious concern for many citizens.

Example

The sudden restriction of credit by major banks led to a significant slowdown in the local construction industry.
- confinement
- curtailment
- expansion
- liberation

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3 DNA degradation (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

a process where a cell breaks down foreign DNA to protect itself.

the mechanism by which a cell identifies and degrades foreign DNA, typically via specific enzymes.

Example

Bacteria use restriction to defend themselves against attacking viruses.

Example

The discovery of restriction enzymes allowed molecular biologists to cut DNA at specific sequences, revolutionising the field of genetic engineering.
- digestion

Origin

From Middle English restriccioun, from Anglo-Norman restriction, Middle French restriction, and their source, Late Latin restrictiō, from Latin restringō. Morphologically restrict + -ion.