Antonyms for restrain


Grammar : Verb
Spell : ri-streyn
Phonetic Transcription : rɪˈstreɪn


Definition of restrain

Origin :
  • mid-14c., from stem of Old French restreindre "press, push together; curb, bridle; bandage" (12c.), from Latin restringere "draw back tightly, confine, check" (see restriction). Related: Restrained; restraining.
  • That which we restrain we keep within limits; that which we restrict we keep within certain definite limits; that which we repress we try to put out of existence. [Century Dictionary, 1902]
  • verb keep under control; hold back
Example sentences :
  • Has this fearful pestilence no power to restrain the appetites and passions of the people?
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • Yet the effort she made, and with success, to restrain the show of her anger, was far from slight.
  • Extract from : « Weighed and Wanting » by George MacDonald
  • The railroad can do it, to restrain its employees from striking.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • Mary made no effort to restrain the smile caused by the costume of Mr. Griggs.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • It was all he could do to restrain himself from roaring aloud in his rage.
  • Extract from : « Casanova's Homecoming » by Arthur Schnitzler
  • When he did begin to restrain himself, it was that he might spare her.
  • Extract from : « Little Dorrit » by Charles Dickens
  • Pierre had to restrain a smile, for be had heard the story from Doctor Chassaigne.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • Their voices were rising in spite of their efforts to restrain them.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • He was shaken by so frightful a sob, that Guillaume could not restrain his own tears.
  • Extract from : « The Three Cities Trilogy, Complete » by Emile Zola
  • And I would have you restrain your wishes before him, that you had not met him, and the like.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 3 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

Synonyms for restrain

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019