- to hold back from action; keep in check or under control; repress: to restrain one's temper.
- to deprive of liberty, as by arrest or the like.
- to limit or hamper the activity, growth, or effect of: to restrain trade with Cuba.
- to strain again.
- to hold (someone) back from some action, esp by force
- to deprive (someone) of liberty, as by imprisonment
- to limit or restrict