To hold back; to check; to hold from action, proceeding or advancing, either by physical or moral force, or by an interposing obstacle. Thus we restrain a horse by a bridle; we restrain cattle from wandering by fences; we restrain water by dams and dikes; we restrain men from crimes and trespasses by laws; we restrain young people, when we can, by arguments or counsel; we restrain men and their passions; we restrain the elements; we attempt to restrain vice, but not always with success.

To repress; to keep in awe; as, to restrain offenders.

To suppress; to hinder or repress; as, to restrain excess.

To abridge; to hinder from unlimited enjoyment; as, to restrain one of his pleasure or of his liberty: .

To limit; to confine. Not only a metaphysical or natural, but a moral universality is also to be restrained by a part of the predicate.

To withhold; to forbear. Thou restrainest prayer before God. Job 15:4.