verb
restrain
rih-STRAYN/rɪˈstreɪn/
Hold back or keep someone or something under control.
The owner restrains the eager dog with a leash before it reaches the road.
Etymology
The pieces suggest drawing something tightly back, as if tying it so it cannot move freely. That physical image underlies holding a person, desire, or action in check.
In context
instead of attempting to restrain him and worrying and checking him by useless efforts to hold him in he gave him the rain freely
More examples
- She struggles to restrain her laughter during the meeting.
- The new rules restrain spending without cutting essential services.
- He restrains the child from running into the street.
Forms
restrain · restrains · restrained · restraining
restraint noun — Control that limits actions or emotions.