WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Re*strain"
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [OE. restreinen, F. restreindre, fr. L. restringere, restrictum; pref. re- re- + stringere to draw, bind, or press together. See Strain, v. t., and cf. Restrict.]
Definition : 1. To draw back again; to hold back from acting, proceeding, or advancing, either by physical or moral force, or by any interposing obstacle; to repress or suppress; to keep down; to curb. Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose! Shak.

2. To draw back toghtly, as a rein. [Obs.] Shak.

3. To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge. Though they two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty. Clarendon.

4. To limit; to confine; to restrict. Trench. Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral, universality also is to be restrained by a part of the predicate. I. Watts.

5. To withhold; to forbear. Thou restrained prayer before God. Job. xv. 4.

Syn. -- To check; hinder; stop; withhold; repress; curb; suppress; coerce; restrict; limit; confine.

t. [imp. & p. p. Restrained; p. pr. & vb. n. Restraining.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913