Definition

Noun: 1. A rule or law that limits what is allowed: An official or formal limitation placed on an activity, behavior, or condition. 2. The act of limiting or controlling something: The process of keeping something within specific bounds or preventing it from becoming too large, free, or widespread.

Usage

The word "restriction" is a countable noun. It is commonly used to describe official limits set by authorities, rules, or circumstances. It often appears with verbs like "impose," "lift," "ease," "place," and "face."

Examples

1. Referring to a specific rule or limit:

   • There are restrictions on the use of mobile phones in the library.
   • The city has placed parking restrictions on this street during weekdays.
   • I am willing to accept certain restrictions on my movements.

2. Referring to the act of limiting:

   • The restriction of the infection to a focal area was a success.
   • The policy led to the restriction of press freedom.

Advanced Usage

• "To impose/place a restriction on something": To officially set a limit.
  • The government imposed new restrictions on travel.
• "To lift/ease a restriction": To remove or reduce a limit.
  • They plan to lift the water usage restrictions next month.
• "To be subject to restrictions": To be affected by limits.
  • The export of these goods is subject to strict restrictions.
• "Without restriction": Freely, with no limits.
  • Members have access to the facilities without restriction.

Variants and Related Words

• Restrict (verb): To limit or control the size, amount, or range of something.
  • The law restricts the sale of alcohol to people over 21.
• Restrictive (adjective): Serving or tending to restrict; limiting.
  • The contract contained very restrictive clauses.
• Restrictively (adverb): In a restrictive manner.
  • The law was applied restrictively.

Synonyms

• Limitation: A limiting rule or circumstance.
• Constraint: A limitation or restriction.
• Regulation: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
• Control: The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.

Antonyms

• Freedom: The power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance or restraint.
• Liberty: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions.
• Allowance: The amount of something permitted.

Related Phrases

• Travel restriction: An official limit on movement between places.
  • Travel restrictions were put in place during the pandemic.
• Dietary restriction: A limitation on what a person can or cannot eat.
  • She has dietary restrictions due to her allergies.

Noun

1. the act of keeping something within specified bounds (by force if necessary)
   • the restriction of the infection to a focal area
2. an act of limiting or restricting (as by regulation)
3. a principle that limits the extent of something
   • I am willing to accept certain restrictions on my movements