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restrainer

 - 2 dictionary results

re⋅strain⋅er

[ri-strey-ner]
–noun
1. a person or thing that restrains.
2. Photography. a chemical added to a developer to retard its action.

Origin:
1560–70; restrain + -er 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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re·strain   (rĭ-strān')   
tr.v.   re·strained, re·strain·ing, re·strains
    1. To hold back or keep in check; control: couldn't restrain the tears.

    2. To hold (a person) back; prevent: restrained them from going.

  1. To deprive of freedom or liberty.

  2. To limit or restrict.


[Middle English restreinen, from Old French restraindre, restreign-, from Latin restringere, to bind back; see restrict.]
re·strain'a·ble adj., re·strain'ed·ly (-strā'nĭd-lē) adv., re·strain'er n.
Synonyms: These verbs mean to hold back or keep under control. Restrain implies restriction or limitation, as on one's freedom of action: "a wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another" (Thomas Jefferson).
To curb is to restrain as if with reins: "You might curb your magnanimity" (John Keats).
Check implies arresting or stopping, often suddenly or forcibly: "a light to guide, a rod/To check the erring" (William Wordsworth).
To bridle is often to hold in or govern one's emotions or passions: I tried with all my might to bridle my resentment.
Inhibit usually connotes a check on one's actions, thoughts, or emotions: A fear of strangers inhibited his ability to travel.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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