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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)