Adjacent Words

Restraining definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

RESTRA'INING, ppr.
1. Holding back from proceeding; checking; repressing; hindering from motion or action; suppressing.
2. a. Abridging; limiting; as a restraining statute.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Restrain Re*strain", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Restrained; p. pr. & vb. n. Restraining.] [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.] 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.