1 [C,usually pl.] ~ (on sb/sth) a rule, a fact, an idea, etc. that limits or controls what people can do:
The government has imposed export restraints on some products. * social restraints on drinking alcohol
2 [U] the act of controlling or limiting sth because it is necessary or sensible to do so:
wage restraint * They said that they would fight without restraint (= completely freely) for what they wanted.
3 [U] the quality of behaving calmly and with control:
The police appealed to the crowd for restraint. * He exercised considerable restraint in ignoring the insults.
4 [U] (formal) the use of physical force to control sb who is behaving in a violent way:
the physical restraint of prisoners
5 [C] (formal) a type of SEATBELT or safety device:
Children must use an approved child restraint or adult seat belt.
