'Restrain' definitions:

Definition of 'restrain'

From: WordNet
verb
Keep under control; keep in check; "suppress a smile"; "Keep your temper"; "keep your cool" [syn: restrain, keep, keep back, hold back]
verb
Place limits on (extent or access); "restrict the use of this parking lot"; "limit the time you can spend with your friends" [syn: restrict, restrain, trammel, limit, bound, confine, throttle]
verb
To close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement; "This holds the local until the express passengers change trains"; "About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade"; "The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center"; "The terrorists held the journalists for ransom" [syn: restrain, confine, hold]
verb
Hold back [syn: restrain, encumber, cumber, constrain]
verb
To compel or deter by or as if by threats [syn: intimidate, restrain]

Definition of 'Restrain'

From: GCIDE
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Restrain in me the cursed thoughts that nature Gives way to in repose! --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To draw back toghtly, as a rein. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge. [1913 Webster]
  • Though they two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty. --Clarendon. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. To limit; to confine; to restrict. --Trench. [1913 Webster]
  • Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral, universality also is to be restrained by a part of the predicate. --I. Watts. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. To withhold; to forbear. [1913 Webster]
  • Thou restrained prayer before God. --Job. xv. 4. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: To check; hinder; stop; withhold; repress; curb; suppress; coerce; restrict; limit; confine. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'restrain'

From: Moby Thesaurus