restrain
Definitions
To hold someone or something back from acting; to keep under control by force.
制止，按住；强行控制。
To prevent oneself from doing or feeling something; to keep within limits.
抑制，克制（自己）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + strain (draw tight) = to pull someone *back* and hold them in. The image is literal — gripping a struggling person — and it extends to the inner version: restrain yourself = rein in your own impulses before they break loose.
Root strain still carries 57 more wordsUsage Guide
- restrain someone/something (transitive): Guards restrained the protester.
- restrain oneself: a fixed reflexive use for self-control.
- restrain from doing: She couldn't restrain herself from laughing.
Note: restrain is the verb; the noun is restraint (not "a restrain").
Example Sentences
- 1.
Two officers had to restrain the angry man.
- 2.
She could hardly restrain her excitement.
- 3.
He restrained himself from saying what he really thought.
Easily Confused
restrain vs restrict — restrain holds back a person or impulse (restrain the dog, restrain your anger); restrict tightens limits on an activity, amount, or area (restrict access, restrict spending). Holding someone in → restrain; narrowing what's allowed → restrict.