Restrain vs. Restraint — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 29, 2024
Restrain is a verb meaning to prevent action or movement, while restraint is a noun referring to a device or measure that limits freedom.
Difference Between Restrain and Restraint
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Restrain is an action often used in physical or metaphorical contexts to control someone's movements or behaviors. On the other hand, restraint can refer to physical devices like handcuffs or belts used in medical or security settings to limit mobility.
Restrain involves actively applying control or force to limit someone or something. Whereas, restraint often describes the condition of being controlled or the tools used to maintain this control.
In legal and psychological contexts, to restrain is to legally or mentally prevent specific actions. On the other hand, restraint can also refer to self-control or moderation shown by an individual.
When discussing safety protocols, restraining is a method used to ensure safety by preventing undesired actions. Conversely, restraint is used in this context to describe the equipment or procedures designed to enforce this safety.
In literature, restrain might be used to describe a character’s efforts to contain their emotions or actions. Whereas, restraint could be used to describe a character’s inherent quality of self-control or prudence.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
Usage in Sentence
To prevent action or movement
Device or measure that limits freedom
Example
He restrained himself from reacting angrily.
She used a child safety restraint in the car.
Field of Use
Legal, psychological, safety
Medical, security, personal discipline
Related to
Action of controlling
Means or state of being controlled
Compare with Definitions
Restrain
To deprive of freedom or movement.
The police restrained the suspect with handcuffs.
Restraint
A measure or condition that keeps someone under control.
Financial restraints limited their options.
Restrain
To hold back from action.
The teacher had to restrain the students from running in the hallway.
Restraint
Self-control or moderation.
He showed great restraint in not responding to the provocation.
Restrain
To limit the growth or force of something.
The gardener restrained the growth of the ivy with trimmers.
Restraint
An act of holding back or controlling.
Her restraint was admirable when she received unfair criticism.
Restrain
To control or keep in check.
She had to restrain her urge to laugh during the ceremony.
Restraint
Limitation or restriction.
The treaty imposed military restraints on the country.
Restrain
To confine or restrict.
The agreement restrained his ability to trade freely.
Restraint
A device designed to limit movement.
The patient was put in physical restraints to prevent injuries.
Restrain
To hold back or keep in check; control
Was able restrain his emotions.
Restraint
The act of restraining
Police restraint of the suspect.
Restrain
To prevent (a person or group) from doing something or acting in a certain way
She was restrained from selling the house by her fond memories.
Restraint
The condition of being restrained, especially the condition of losing one's freedom
A suspect held in restraint.
Restrain
To hold, fasten, or secure so as to prevent or limit movement
Hair restrained by a bandana.
A child restrained by a seat belt.
Restraint
An influence that inhibits or restrains
"If the enemy could be defined as radically evil, then the restraints of morality did not apply" (James Carroll).
Restrain
(transitive) To control or keep in check.
Restraint
A device or other means of restraining movement
A child restraint in a car.
Restrain
(transitive) To deprive of liberty.
Restraint
Control of the expression of one's feelings; constraint
Cursed without restraint.
Restrain
(transitive) To restrict or limit.
He was restrained by the straitjacket.
Restraint
(countable) something that restrains, ties, fastens or secures
Make sure all the restraints are tight.
Restrain
(transitive) To strain again.
Restraint
(uncountable) control or caution; reserve
Try to exercise restraint when talking to your boss.
Restrain
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 natureGives way to in repose!
Restraint
The act or process of restraining, or of holding back or hindering from motion or action, in any manner; hindrance of the will, or of any action, physical or mental.
No man was altogether above the restrains of law, and no man altogether below its protection.
Restrain
To draw back toghtly, as a rein.
Restraint
The state of being restrained.
Restrain
To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge.
Though they two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty.
Restraint
That which restrains, as a law, a prohibition, or the like; limitation; restriction.
For one restraint, lords of the world besides.
Restrain
To limit; to confine; to restrict.
Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral, universality also is to be restrained by a part of the predicate.
Restraint
The of act controlling by restraining someone or something;
The unlawful restraint of trade
Restrain
To withhold; to forbear.
Thou restrained prayer before God.
Restraint
Discipline in personal and social activities;
He was a model of polite restraint
She never lost control of herself
Restrain
Keep under control; keep in check;
Suppress a smile
Keep your temper
Keep your cool
Restraint
The state of being physically constrained;
Dogs should be kept under restraint
Restrain
Place limits on (extent or access);
Restrict the use of this parking lot
Limit the time you can spend with your friends
Restraint
A rule or condition that limits freedom;
Legal restraints
Restraints imposed on imports
Restrain
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
Restraint
Lack of ornamentation;
The room was simply decorated with great restraint
Restrain
Hold back
Restraint
A device that retards something's motion;
The car did not have proper restraints fitted
Restrain
To compel or deter by or as if by threats
Common Curiosities
What are common types of restraints used in hospitals?
Common types of restraints in hospitals include belts, straps, and specially designed chairs that prevent patients from harming themselves or others.
Is restraint always physical?
No, restraint can also refer to psychological or emotional self-control, not just physical devices or measures.
How does self-restraint differ from being restrained?
Self-restraint refers to an individual’s own control over their impulses, whereas being restrained typically involves external measures imposed by others.
Why is it important to restrain certain actions?
Restraining actions can be important for safety, legality, or maintaining social and personal decorum.
What does it mean to restrain someone?
To restrain someone means to prevent them from moving or acting freely, often using physical force or legal measures.
Can restrain and restraint be used interchangeably?
No, "restrain" is a verb and "restraint" is a noun, so they serve different grammatical purposes and cannot be used interchangeably.
What legal implications does restraining someone have?
Legally restraining someone can involve restraining orders or custody limitations, which have significant legal consequences and requirements.
What are the risks of using physical restraints?
Physical restraints can pose risks such as physical injury, psychological harm, and violation of personal rights, particularly if used improperly.
How is restraint viewed in psychological terms?
In psychological terms, restraint can refer to an individual's ability to control impulses and emotions, often considered a sign of emotional maturity.
How do safety restraints in vehicles work?
Safety restraints in vehicles, like seat belts and airbags, work by holding passengers in place and reducing the risk of injury during accidents.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
