RESTRAINT

Examples of RESTRAINT in a sentence

• She showed remarkable restraint in not responding to the provocation.
• The police used restraint in handling the unruly crowd.
• It took all his restraint not to eat the tempting dessert.
• The treaty was signed with the hope of promoting peace and restraint between the two nations.
• The doctor advised him to exercise restraint in his diet to improve his health.
• The teacher praised the students for their restraint during the test.
• The government imposed restraint measures to control inflation.
• He acted with restraint rather than reacting impulsively.

Origin of RESTRAINT

The term restraint embarks on a linguistic journey, tracing its origins through centuries of social, moral, and legal development. Rooted in Middle English and Old French influences, it has evolved into a multifaceted term that signifies the act of holding back, controlling, or limiting oneself or others.

• Old French Roots: The word restraint originated from the Old French noun “restreinte,” which meant “a holding back” or “a restriction.” This noun was derived from the verb “restreindre,” meaning “to restrain” or “to confine.”
• Middle English Evolution: In Middle English, the term restraint retained its fundamental meanings of confinement or limitation. It denoted the act of exercising control or moderation over one’s actions, desires, or impulses, as well as the imposition of limits or restrictions by external authorities or circumstances.
• Moral and Ethical Connotations: Restraint carries moral and ethical connotations related to self-discipline, temperance, and prudence. It implies a conscious effort to curb excesses, avoid harm, or adhere to principles of morality and decency.
• Legal and Social Norms: In legal and social contexts, restraint refers to rules, regulations, or measures that limit or regulate behavior, often for the purpose of maintaining order, ensuring safety, or upholding societal values. This can include laws governing speech, conduct, or trade, as well as institutional practices aimed at preventing harm or abuse.
• Psychological Dimensions: Restraint also has psychological dimensions, encompassing the ability to manage emotions, impulses, or urges in a manner that promotes well-being, resilience, and interpersonal harmony. It involves exercising self-control, managing conflicts, and navigating social relationships with empathy and consideration for others.

Restraint stands as a term that reflects humanity’s ongoing quest for balance, order, and harmony in individual and collective life. From its Old French and Middle English roots to its modern-day applications in ethics, law, and psychology, the word embodies the complex interplay between personal agency, social norms, and moral responsibility in shaping human behavior and society.

Synonyms

• Control
• Moderation
• Self-discipline
• Constraint
• Abstinence
• Discretion
• Temperance
• Sobriety

Antonyms

• Indulgence
• Unrestraint
• Impulsiveness
• Excess
• Immoderation
• Abandon
• Uninhibitedness
• Permissiveness