# restriction

/ɹiˈstɹɪkʃən/ (US) · /ɹɪstɹˈɪkʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/restriction
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a limiting rule

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The government introduced new travel restrictions to stop the spread of the virus.
- The city council imposed strict parking restrictions in the historic district to reduce traffic congestion during the peak tourist season.

### 2. the act of limiting

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The restriction of free speech is a serious concern for many citizens.
- The sudden restriction of credit by major banks led to a significant slowdown in the local construction industry.

### 3. DNA degradation

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- Bacteria use restriction to defend themselves against attacking viruses.
- The discovery of restriction enzymes allowed molecular biologists to cut DNA at specific sequences, revolutionising the field of genetic engineering.

## Examples

- There is a speed restriction on this road.
- The government lifted the travel restriction after the health crisis improved and it was safe to move between cities again.
- While the new policy aims to protect local wildlife, critics argue that the restriction on land use will negatively impact the economic growth of the surrounding rural communities.

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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.