Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Imposing restrictions or limitations: Describes something that limits, controls, or confines actions, freedom, or growth.
   • Protective by limiting imports: In economics, specifically of tariffs or policies, describes measures that protect domestic industries by restricting foreign competition.

Usage

• The word "restrictive" is used to describe rules, laws, environments, or conditions that set limits. It often has a negative connotation, implying unnecessary or excessive limitation.
• It can modify nouns directly (e.g., restrictive laws) or be used after linking verbs like "be," "seem," or "become" (e.g., The policy is too restrictive).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The school's restrictive dress code forbids jeans and t-shirts.
  • Some patients find the restrictive diet very difficult to follow.
  • The government implemented restrictive tariffs to protect local manufacturers.
  • The contract contained a restrictive clause preventing employees from working for competitors.

Advanced Usage

• "restrictive covenant": In law, a clause in a contract or deed that limits the use of property or restricts actions.
  • The house sale included a restrictive covenant forbidding the construction of any additional buildings.
• "restrictive practice": In business or labor, an agreement or method that limits competition, production, or a worker's freedom.
  • The union was accused of restrictive practices that slowed down productivity.

Variants and Related Words

• Restrict (verb): To limit, confine, or keep within certain bounds.
  • The law aims to restrict the sale of tobacco to minors.
• Restriction (noun): A limiting condition, rule, or regulation.
  • There are severe restrictions on water usage during the drought.
• Unrestrictive (adjective): Not imposing restrictions; permissive. (Less common antonym).

Synonyms

• Limiting: Setting bounds or confines.
• Confining: Keeping within limits; restricting.
• Constrictive: Tending to constrict or limit.
• Prohibitive: So high or severe as to prevent use or action.

Antonyms

• Permissive: Allowing freedom of action, especially in social behavior.
• Liberal: Favorable to progress or reform; not strict or literal.
• Unrestricted: Not limited or confined.

Related Phrases

• Restrictive diet: A diet that limits the intake of certain foods for health or medical reasons.
  • After his surgery, he was placed on a very restrictive diet.
• Restrictive environment: A setting that imposes many rules and limits on personal freedom.
  • The artist felt stifled by the restrictive environment of his corporate job.

Adjective

1. (of tariff) protective of national interests by restricting imports
2. serving to restrict
   • teenagers eager to escape restrictive home environments