To restrain means to stop someone or something from doing something.
Imagine you have a playful dog. If you hold its leash tightly so it doesn't run away, you restrain it.
It also means to stop yourself from doing something.
If you really want a cookie but decide not to eat it, you restrain yourself.
To restrain means to stop someone or something from doing something. You might hold them back with your hands or use your power to control them. It can also mean to stop yourself from showing your feelings or from doing something you want to do. Think of it like keeping a dog on a leash so it doesn't run away. Or, if you're very angry, you might try to restrain your anger so you don't say mean things. It's all about keeping things under control.
When we restrain something or someone, we are essentially exerting control to prevent movement, freedom, or escalation. This can involve physical measures, such as holding someone back, or it can be a more abstract form of control, like limiting one's own emotional reactions or impulses. The core idea is about imposing a check or a restriction on something that would otherwise be more expansive or uncontrolled. It implies a deliberate act to keep within certain bounds, whether those bounds are external or self-imposed.
§ Similar words and when to use them
The word "restrain" is a versatile verb that implies holding back, controlling, or limiting something or someone. However, English offers a rich vocabulary with nuances that can make choosing the perfect word crucial for clarity and impact. Let's explore some similar words and when to opt for "restrain" over its alternatives.
§ Synonyms and their subtle differences
- Curb
- Similar to "restrain," but often implies a more gentle or gradual reduction or limitation. It's frequently used for abstract concepts like desires, growth, or spending.
The government is trying to curb inflation.
- Control
- A broader term than "restrain." While "restrain" implies preventing movement or action, "control" suggests mastery, regulation, or the ability to direct something. You can control a situation without necessarily restraining it.
She struggled to control her emotions during the speech.
- Hinder
- To create difficulties for someone or something, thereby delaying or preventing their progress. While "restrain" suggests a direct holding back, "hinder" implies an obstruction.
Lack of funding will hinder the project's development.
- Suppress
- To forcibly put an end to, or to prevent the development, action, or expression of. Often used for emotions, rebellions, or information.
The police were called to suppress the riot.
- Hold back
- A phrasal verb that is very close in meaning to "restrain," particularly when referring to emotions or actions. It can be more informal than "restrain."
He tried to hold back his tears.
§ When to use "restrain"
"Restrain" is particularly suitable in the following contexts:
- Physical limitation: When there's an active effort to prevent movement or action, often involving physical force or confinement.
The police had to restrain the unruly suspect.
- Self-control: When someone consciously limits their own emotions, impulses, or behaviors.
She had to restrain herself from shouting.
- Imposing limits or restrictions: When rules, laws, or circumstances limit a certain activity or freedom.
The new regulations will restrain excessive spending.
§ Key takeaway
While many words share a similar semantic field with "restrain," its core meaning revolves around preventing free movement or expression, often through deliberate action or the imposition of limits. Choosing "restrain" implies a more direct and often forceful act of holding back compared to some of its softer synonyms.
By understanding these subtle differences, you can enrich your vocabulary and communicate more precisely, choosing the ideal word to convey your intended meaning.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
to restrain from doing something
a impedire de far qualcosa
to be restrained by law
esser impedito da la legge
to place restraints on someone
a metter impedimenti a qualcuno
without restraint
senza impedimento
under restraint
sotto impedimento
to exercise restraint
a esercitare impedimento
restrain one's tongue
impedir la propria lingua
restrain the urge
impedir l'impulso
restrain the impulse
impedir l'impulso
restrain the crowd
impedir la folla
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
When talking about physical control or limitation:
- The police had to restrain the unruly crowd.
- He tried to restrain his dog from running into the street.
- The ropes were used to restrain the prisoner.
When discussing emotional control or self-control:
- She had to restrain her anger during the argument.
- He found it difficult to restrain his enthusiasm.
- It's important to learn to restrain your impulses.
When referring to limiting growth or development:
- The harsh climate helped to restrain the growth of the plants.
- Economic sanctions were put in place to restrain the country's nuclear program.
- Lack of funding can restrain innovation.
In a legal or official context:
- The court issued an order to restrain the company from selling the product.
- A restraining order was filed against him.
- The government sought to restrain unfair trade practices.
When describing something that holds back movement or action:
- The seatbelt was designed to restrain passengers in a crash.
- Fear of failure can restrain people from taking risks.
- The tight budget will restrain our ability to expand.
Iniciadores de conversa
"Can you think of a time when you had to restrain yourself from doing or saying something?"
"What are some common situations where people might need to be physically restrained?"
"How important is self-restraint in different aspects of life, like work or relationships?"
"Have you ever seen an animal being restrained, and what was the reason?"
"In what ways can societies or governments try to restrain certain behaviors or activities?"
Temas para diário
Describe a situation where you successfully exercised self-restraint. What was the outcome?
Write about a time when you felt someone or something was trying to restrain your potential or freedom.
Reflect on the concept of 'restraint' in art or literature. How is it depicted?
Consider the ethical implications of using physical restraint on individuals. When is it justified?
Imagine a world without any form of restraint. What would it be like, and what challenges might arise?
Teste-se 42 perguntas
The police had to ___ the man who was causing trouble.
To 'restrain' means to hold back or keep someone under control. The police would need to do this for someone causing trouble.
She tried to ___ her laughter during the serious speech.
To 'restrain' one's laughter means to limit or hold back one's emotions. In a serious speech, it's polite to do this.
The dog was on a leash to ___ it from running away.
A leash is used to 'restrain' a dog, meaning to keep it under control and prevent it from moving freely.
He needed to ___ his anger and stay calm.
To 'restrain' one's anger means to control or limit it. It's important to stay calm when angry.
The strong winds could not ___ the small boat.
If the winds could not 'restrain' the boat, it means they couldn't hold it back or keep it in place.
Please try to ___ your spending this month.
To 'restrain' spending means to limit or control how much money you spend.
This sentence is a simple statement about a dog running.
This sentence is a simple statement about eating an apple.
This sentence is a simple statement about drinking water.
Think about what the police do to keep order.
How do you act when you are very happy but try not to show it too much?
What do you do to stop a pet from running away?
Read this aloud:
It's important to restrain your spending.
Focus: restrain
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
The teacher had to restrain the noisy students.
Focus: restrain
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
He couldn't restrain his laughter during the funny movie.
Focus: restrain
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes the police controlling an animal.
This sentence means she tried to stop herself from laughing.
This sentence advises controlling one's own urges.
Think about what the police do in a difficult situation.
Consider how someone might control strong feelings.
What do you do to keep a pet close and safe?
Read this aloud:
Can you restrain yourself from eating all the cookies?
Focus: restrain
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
He had to restrain his laughter during the serious meeting.
Focus: laughter, serious
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
The doctor advised him to restrain his physical activity after the operation.
Focus: advised, physical activity
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The police had to ___ the crowd from entering the restricted area.
To 'restrain' means to hold back or keep under control. The police would need to control the crowd in this situation.
She had to ___ her anger, even though she felt like shouting.
To 'restrain' emotions means to limit or control them. In this context, she is holding back her anger.
The doctor advised him to ___ his physical activity after the surgery.
To 'restrain' activity means to limit or reduce it, which is often necessary after surgery.
It was difficult to ___ her laughter during the serious presentation.
To 'restrain' laughter means to hold it back or control it, especially in an inappropriate situation.
The government tried to ___ the rising inflation by implementing new policies.
To 'restrain' inflation means to keep it under control or limit its growth.
Despite his strong opinions, he managed to ___ himself from dominating the conversation.
To 'restrain oneself' means to control one's own impulses or behaviors, in this case, from speaking too much.
Imagine you are a security guard. Describe a situation where you had to restrain someone. What happened, and how did you handle it? Use the word 'restrain' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Yesterday, a heated argument broke out between two customers in the store. One became aggressive and started shouting, refusing to leave. I had to intervene and gently, but firmly, restrain the agitated customer to prevent any physical altercation. My priority was to ensure the safety of other shoppers and de-escalate the situation calmly.
Write a short paragraph about a time you had to restrain your own emotions or impulses. What was the situation, and how did you manage it? Use 'restrain' in your answer.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
During a particularly stressful meeting at work, I felt a strong urge to express my frustration openly. However, I knew it wasn't the right time or place, so I consciously chose to restrain my immediate reaction. I took a deep breath and focused on listening, opting to address my concerns later in a more constructive manner. It was challenging, but necessary for professional conduct.
Describe a scenario where a government or an authority might need to restrain a group of people for public safety. Explain the reasons and potential methods. Incorporate the word 'restrain' into your response.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In situations of civil unrest or large public gatherings that become disorderly, a government might need to restrain certain groups for the sake of public safety. For instance, if a protest turns violent and threatens property or individuals, law enforcement might be deployed to restrain the crowd, using methods like barricades or dispersal orders, to restore order and prevent further harm.
What was the primary reason the ranchers had to restrain the stallion?
Read this passage:
The wild stallion, known for its untamed spirit, was finally captured after days of pursuit. The ranchers had to carefully restrain the powerful animal with ropes and specialized equipment to ensure both its safety and their own. Their goal was not to break its spirit, but to guide it towards domestication.
What was the primary reason the ranchers had to restrain the stallion?
The passage states, 'The ranchers had to carefully restrain the powerful animal with ropes and specialized equipment to ensure both its safety and their own.' This directly answers the question.
The passage states, 'The ranchers had to carefully restrain the powerful animal with ropes and specialized equipment to ensure both its safety and their own.' This directly answers the question.
What did the ambassador choose to restrain during the negotiations?
Read this passage:
During the delicate negotiations, the ambassador had to consciously restrain his anger, despite the provocative remarks made by the opposing delegate. He understood that any emotional outburst could jeopardize the entire peace treaty. His ability to maintain composure was crucial.
What did the ambassador choose to restrain during the negotiations?
The passage clearly states, 'the ambassador had to consciously restrain his anger, despite the provocative remarks.' This shows he was controlling his own emotions.
The passage clearly states, 'the ambassador had to consciously restrain his anger, despite the provocative remarks.' This shows he was controlling his own emotions.
What was the patient advised to restrain?
Read this passage:
The doctor advised the patient to restrain her diet, limiting sugary foods and excessive fats. This dietary modification was essential for managing her condition and improving her overall health. Self-discipline in eating habits was key to her recovery.
What was the patient advised to restrain?
The passage says, 'The doctor advised the patient to restrain her diet, limiting sugary foods and excessive fats.' This directly refers to controlling what she eats.
The passage says, 'The doctor advised the patient to restrain her diet, limiting sugary foods and excessive fats.' This directly refers to controlling what she eats.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Exemplo
I had to restrain my dog when the postman walked up the driveway.
Conteúdo relacionado
Esta palavra em outros idiomas
Mais palavras de Actions
abcredance
C1Conceder formalmente credibilidade ou validar a autenticidade de uma alegação ou processo com base em evidências rigorosas.
abnasccide
C1Descreve algo que tem uma tendência natural a se soltar ou ser cortado em um estágio específico.
absorb
B2Absorver algo significa tomá-lo, como a água uma esponja, ou entender informações.
abstain
C1To voluntarily refrain from an action or practice, especially one that is considered unhealthy or morally questionable. It is also used formally to describe the act of choosing not to cast a vote in an election or deliberation.
abvictly
C1Resolver uma situação ou disputa complexa de forma decisiva e abrupta, exercendo força ou autoridade avassaladora.
abvitfy
C1"Abvitfy" descreve a capacidade de se adaptar rapidamente a mudanças tecnológicas, uma forma de resiliência.
accelerate
C1To increase the speed or rate of something, or to make a process happen sooner than expected. In technical contexts, it refers to the rate of change of velocity, while in general contexts, it often describes the speeding up of progress or development.
accept
A1Concordar em receber algo ou aceitar um convite. Também significa reconhecer que algo é verdadeiro ou lidar com uma situação.
achieve
A2Alcançar uma meta ou terminar uma tarefa após muito esforço. Trata-se de completar algo positivo graças ao seu trabalho.
acquiesce
C1Aceitar algo relutantemente, sem protestar. Concorda-se porque não há outra escolha.
