Restraints — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Related Entry: Restraint (noun)

Restraint is a different word from Restraints. The synonyms below are for restraint, not for restraints.

1. the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

   "it will take a great deal of restraint to keep from telling her how ugly that dress is"

   similar: constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression
   related: command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity
   opposite: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint
   near: self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance

2. something that limits one's freedom of action or choice

   "civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights"

   similar: check, circumscription, condition, constraint, curb, fetter, limitation, restriction, stricture
   related: exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings, ban, prohibition, proscription
   near: freedom, latitude

3. the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions

   "he shows very little restraint or tact when expressing his opinions about others"

   similar: continence, self-command, self-containment, self-control, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, self-possession, self-restraint, will, willpower
   related: self-abnegation, self-denial, moderateness, moderation, temperance, temperateness, determination, nerve, command, control, discipline, mastery, abnegation, abstention, avoidance, eschewal, forbearance, abstinence, soberness, sobriety, aplomb, assurance, composure, confidence, coolness, equanimity, poise, self-confidence, discretion
   near: gratification, indulgence, self-indulgence, excessiveness, immoderacy, intemperance, intemperateness, overindulgence, demerit, failing, fault, feebleness, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness, indiscipline, unconstraint, unreserve, unreservedness, unrestraint