restraint

 
Pronunciation: /rɪˈstreɪnt/

noun

  • 1 (often restraints) a measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control: decisions are made within the financial restraints of the budget
  • [mass noun] the action of keeping someone or something under control: a policy of restraint in public spending
  • [mass noun] deprivation or restriction of personal liberty or freedom of movement: he remained aggressive and required physical restraint
  • a device which limits or prevents freedom of movement: car safety restraints
  • 2 [mass noun] unemotional, dispassionate, or moderate behaviour; self-control: he urged the protestors to exercise restraint
  • understatement, especially of artistic expression: with strings and piano, all restraint vanished

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French restreinte, feminine past participle of restreindre 'hold back' (see restrain)