Constrain vs. Restrain: What's the Difference?
Constrain and Restrain Definitions
Constrain
To keep within certain limits; confine or limit
"Legislators ... used the power of the purse to constrain the size of the military" (Julian E. Zelizer).
Restrain
To hold back or keep in check; control
Was able restrain his emotions.
Constrain
To inhibit or restrain; hold back
"She noticed her mother blushing and acting somewhat constrained in her conversation with the grandmother" (David Huddle).
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.
Constrain
To compel by physical, moral, or circumstantial force; oblige
Felt constrained to object to his behavior.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Constrain
To produce in a forced or inhibited manner
"This smile seemed to touch something off in her ... and playfully she constrained her own roguish smile" (Naeem Murr).
Restrain
(transitive) To control or keep in check.
Constrain
(transitive) To force physically, by strong persuasion or pressuring; to compel; to oblige.
Restrain
(transitive) To deprive of liberty.
ADVERTISEMENT
Constrain
(transitive) To keep within close bounds; to confine.
Restrain
(transitive) To restrict or limit.
He was restrained by the straitjacket.
Constrain
(transitive) To reduce a result in response to limited resources.
Restrain
(transitive) To strain again.
Constrain
To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold tightly; to constringe.
He binds in chainsThe drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.
When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold.
ADVERTISEMENT
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!
Constrain
To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
Restrain
To draw back toghtly, as a rein.
Constrain
To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.
My sire in caves constrains the winds.
Restrain
To hinder from unlimited enjoiment; to abridge.
Though they two were committed, at least restrained of their liberty.
Constrain
To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige.
The love of Christ constraineth us.
I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar.
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.
Constrain
To violate; to ravish.
Restrain
To withhold; to forbear.
Thou restrained prayer before God.
Constrain
To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effect; as, a constrained voice.
Restrain
Keep under control; keep in check;
Suppress a smile
Keep your temper
Keep your cool
Constrain
Hold back
Restrain
Place limits on (extent or access);
Restrict the use of this parking lot
Limit the time you can spend with your friends
Constrain
Restrict;
Tighten the rules
Stiffen the regulations
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
Restrain
Hold back
Restrain
To compel or deter by or as if by threats
