C1verbformallawemotions
US/rɪˈstreɪn/
UK/rɪˈstreɪn/
to stop someone or something from doing what they want, or to control a feeling
In context
Two guards had to restrain the angry man until the police arrived.
She could barely restrain her laughter during the serious speech.
The company agreed to restrain prices for the rest of the year.
Words that go with restrain
verb + noun
- restrain yourselfYou must restrain yourself from answering back.
- restrain a suspectOfficers restrained the suspect on the ground.
- restrain angerShe tried to restrain her anger.
- restrain spendingThe government plans to restrain public spending.
verb + preposition
- restrain fromPlease restrain from using your phone in class.
adverb + verb
- physically restrainStaff may not physically restrain patients.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
restrain to smokeCorrect: restrain from smoking