restriction

restriction — noun

1. An official limit set by a government or other authority that controls what peop

1.nounB2
Definition

An official limit set by a government or other authority that controls what people may do.

Example

The government introduced new restrictions on international travel last month.

Imran had to cancel the outdoor concert because of strict noise restrictions.

collocation: strict / tight / severe restrictions

Common collocations
  • trade restrictions
  • travel restrictions
  • speed restrictions
  • import restrictions
  • age restrictions
  • parking restrictions
  • impose restrictions
  • lift restrictions
  • strict restrictions
  • tight restrictions
Synonyms
  • regulation

    more formal; always an official written rule, not just any limit

  • rule

    broader in meaning; can refer to any guideline, not just imposed limits

  • limit

    simpler and more general; can be natural or chosen, not necessarily official

Antonyms
  • permission

    the opposite of being restricted — having the freedom to do something

Grammar Patterns

restriction + on + noun phrase

Usage Note

Frequently used in the plural (restrictions) when referring to multiple specific rules. Often followed by the preposition 'on' to specify what is being limited.

Common Mistakes

The restriction of the room was small.
The room had restrictions on how many guests could stay.
'restriction' refers to a rule or limit, not a physical measurement like size.
I have a restriction in my back.
I have a limitation in my back movement.
'restriction' is an imposed rule or condition, not a physical inability of the body.

2. A condition or factor that limits what someone can do, how much they can achieve

2.nounB2
Definition

A condition or factor that limits what someone can do, how much they can achieve, or how they can behave.

Example

The main restriction on Defne's travel plans was her limited budget.

restriction + on + [something] — preposition pattern

Age restrictions prevent children under twelve from riding the roller coaster alone.

Common collocations
  • budget restrictions
  • time restrictions
  • age restrictions
  • height restrictions
  • dietary restrictions
  • face restrictions
  • place restrictions on
  • lift restrictions
Synonyms
  • limitation

    can be internal or natural, not necessarily imposed by an outside force

  • constraint

    suggests a force that restricts by narrowing options, often used in planning contexts

  • condition

    broader; a circumstance that must exist for something else to happen

Antonyms
  • freedom

    the ability to act without limitations

  • flexibility

    the quality of being able to adapt rather than being bound by limits

Grammar Patterns

restriction + on + noun phrase

restriction + that-clause

Usage Note

Unlike sense 1 (OFFICIAL RULE), this sense does not require the limit to come from a government or authority — it can be a practical or circumstantial factor such as budget, time, or physical ability.

Common Mistakes

This restriction keeps me from getting better at piano.
This limitation keeps me from getting better at piano.
'restriction' usually implies an external rule or condition, while 'limitation' can refer to personal ability.
There is a restriction on how fast I can run.
There is a limit on how fast I can run.
'restriction' is for rules or conditions; 'limit' is better for natural physical boundaries.

3. The process of placing limits on someone or something, or the condition of havin

3.nounB2
Definition

The process of placing limits on someone or something, or the condition of having limits placed on you.

Example

Sivan agreed to the restriction of her phone use during the final exam week.

restriction + of + [noun] — uncountable use

The restriction of water supplies during the dry season affected local farmers badly.

Common collocations
  • restriction of movement
  • restriction of access
  • restriction of freedom
  • restriction of trade
  • restriction of use
Synonyms
  • limiting

    more direct and less formal; describes the action itself rather than the abstract process

  • control

    broader; can mean management or regulation, not necessarily strict limitation

  • curtailment

    more formal; means cutting something short or reducing it significantly

Antonyms
  • expansion

    the act of making something larger or less limited

  • relaxation

    the act of making limits less strict

Grammar Patterns

restriction + of + noun phrase

restriction + on + noun phrase

Usage Note

This sense is uncountable and names the general process or state rather than specific rules. It typically follows the pattern 'restriction of + noun', unlike senses 1 and 2 which describe individual rules or conditions.

Common Mistakes

The restriction of foreign aid was very strict.
The restrictions on foreign aid were very strict.
Use the countable plural form when referring to specific rules; the uncountable form describes the general process.
Many restrictions of water use were introduced.
Many restrictions on water use were introduced.
The countable sense uses 'on', not 'of', to specify what is limited.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Restriction, limitation, constraint, and regulation all refer to boundaries on action, but they differ in source and scope. A restriction is typically an external limit imposed by an authority, such as a law or policy ('travel restrictions during the pandemic'). A limitation can be either external or internal — it describes a natural boundary or shortcoming ('physical limitations of the human body'). A constraint is a pressure that narrows options ('time constraints'), often arising from circumstances rather than rules. A regulation is always an official written rule issued by a governing body ('safety regulations in factories'). While all four words overlap, restriction is the broadest term for imposed limits; regulation is the most formal and specific; limitation can apply to inherent or chosen limits; and constraint often suggests a binding force in planning or decision-making.

restriction ↗limitation ↗constraint ↗regulation ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • impose a restriction
  • place a restriction on
  • lift a restriction
  • remove a restriction
  • subject to restrictions
  • come under restriction
  • ease restrictions
  • tighten restrictions

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Restriction comes from the Latin word 'restrictio', meaning a binding back or limitation. It entered English through Old French in the fifteenth century. The root 're-' means 'back' and 'stringere' means 'to bind or draw tight'. The same root gave English the words 'strict', 'stringent', and 'strain'.