restrict

restrict — verb

1. to keep the size, scope, or physical freedom of something within a fixed limit s

1.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to keep the size, scope, or physical freedom of something within a fixed limit so that it does not grow, move, or extend further

Example

Hari restricted his daily food intake to 1,500 calories during training.

restrict + noun + to [number/amount]

The hospital now restricts each patient to two visitors at a time.

Common collocations
  • restrict + diet/intake/calories
  • restrict + movement/mobility/freedom
  • restrict + growth/expansion
  • severely/heavily/strictly + restricted
  • restricted to + [limit/group]
Synonyms
  • limit

    the most general and common synonym; used for boundaries of any kind

  • confine

    stronger than restrict; suggests enclosure in a small space or narrow boundaries

  • curb

    focuses on holding back or stopping excess or growth

Antonyms
  • expand

    to increase in size, amount, or range

  • free

    to allow someone to act or move as they wish

Grammar Patterns

restrict + noun + to + amount/limit

be restricted to + noun

Usage Note

Often used with 'to' to specify the limit point ('restrict X to Y'). Common in the passive form ('is restricted to'), especially in official contexts.

Common Mistakes

The new rules restrict from using phones in class.
The new rules restrict the use of phones in class.
'restrict' needs a direct object; you restrict something, not restrict from doing something.
Her injury restricted her from playing tennis.
Her injury restricted her ability to play tennis.' or 'Her injury prevented her from playing tennis.
'restrict' limits what you can do but does not stop it completely.

2. to impose official rules or regulations that govern how something can be accesse

2.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to impose official rules or regulations that govern how something can be accessed, used, or distributed

Example

The government restricts the sale of fireworks to customers over the age of eighteen.

restrict + sale/access/use of [something] to [group]

Many countries restrict the amount of cash that travellers can bring across the border.

restrict + amount of [noun]

Common collocations
  • restrict + access/use/sale/distribution
  • restrict + the number/amount of + [noun]
  • heavily/strictly/legally + restricted
  • restricted to + [specific group or purpose]
Synonyms
  • regulate

    focuses on setting rules and standards to keep things under control

  • control

    broader meaning that includes non-rule methods such as direct supervision

  • limit

    a more general word that focuses on the boundary rather than the rules themselves

Antonyms
  • allow

    to let something happen freely

  • permit

    to give official permission, removing restrictions

Grammar Patterns

restrict + noun (sale/access/use) + to + group

be restricted to + noun

Usage Note

Common in legal, regulatory, and institutional contexts. The object is typically an abstract noun such as 'access', 'sale', 'use', or 'distribution'.

Common Mistakes

The new law restricts to sell alcohol after midnight.
The new law restricts the sale of alcohol after midnight.
'restrict' takes a noun object, not a verb.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Limit' is the closest general synonym, used for boundaries of any kind ('limit your screen time'). 'Confine' implies a stronger sense of physical enclosure or narrow boundaries ('confined to a small room'). 'Curb' focuses on holding back or stopping excess ('curb your enthusiasm' or 'curb spending'). 'Restrain' often involves physical force or holding back emotions or actions ('restrain a child from running into the street'). 'Restrict' sits between 'limit' and 'confine' — it suggests deliberate boundary-setting through rules or physical limitations. You would say 'restricted access to a building' (a rule-based limit) but 'limited resources' (inherent scarcity, not a rule). Choosing between them depends on whether the boundary is created deliberately, and how tight the boundary is.

limit ↗confine ↗curb ↗restrain ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • restrict oneself to
  • be restricted to
  • restrict someone to

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

'Restrict' comes from Latin 'restrictus', meaning 'drawn together tightly' or 'bound'. The prefix 're-' ('back' or 'again') combined with 'stringere' ('to draw tight') creates the image of something being pulled back and held in place. The word entered English in the early 1500s from Latin through French, first describing physical binding and later expanding to figurative meanings about rules, sizes, and permissions.