rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylimitBoundary or restriction
noun / verb

limit

LIM-it/ˈlɪmɪt/

A boundary beyond which something cannot go, or to set such a boundary.

The taut leash sets a limit that keeps the dog just short of the ball.

A healthy dog on a fully extended leash stops just short of a bright ball: taut leash from a securely fixed garden post establishes unmistakable maximum reach, dog comfortable with harness and alert, visible gap between its nose and the ball, natural garden, no words or markings.
Etymology
limitLatinboundary, border

Latin limes could mean a boundary or an embankment between fields. The territorial boundary became a general boundary on quantity or possibility: the point beyond which something cannot go.

In context

The Retirement Café with Justin King6:40
there is no time limit on how far back the council can go to look at your financial affairs
The Financial Assessment or means test for social care funding

More examples

  • Please limit your response to one paragraph.
  • The trail stays within the city limits.
  • Our budget limits how much we can spend.

Forms

limit · limits · limited · limiting

limitation noun — A restriction on what is possible or allowed.

Similar words

boundary
Marks an edge, often physical, rather than a maximum.
ceiling
Specifies an upper maximum, especially for prices or spending.
restrict
Emphasizes narrowing freedom, activity, or access rather than marking boundaries.