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restrain

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.

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. 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)

Synonym: To check, hinder, stop, withhold, repress, curb, suppress, coerce, restrict, limit, confine.

Origin: OE. Restreinen, F. Restreindre, fr. L. Restringere, restrictum; pref. Re- re- _ stringere to draw, bind, or press together.