Which definition best describes the word restrain?

• A. to allow free action
• B. to hold back or put limits on someone or something
• C. to release
• D. to encourage growth

Answer: (B)

Restrain means to hold back or put limits on someone or something, whether in a physical sense or in terms of behavior. This word covers both stopping action and curbing impulses, so it fits when you’re talking about keeping actions under control or preventing someone from acting freely. That’s why the best description is to hold back or put limits on someone or something.

Think of it in practice: a guard restrains a suspect to prevent escape, or a person restrains their laughter in a quiet room, or a budget is restrained to prevent overspending. The other options describe letting action happen, releasing, or encouraging growth, which are opposite ideas to restraining.