Restraint means holding yourself back from doing something you want to do, or controlling your reactions even when it's difficult. When your little brother is being annoying and you feel like yelling at him, but you take a deep breath and speak calmly instead, you're showing restraint.

Restraint often involves resisting an impulse or urge. A student shows restraint by not blurting out the answer before being called on. An athlete shows restraint by not arguing with the referee's bad call. A person on a diet shows restraint by walking past the cookie jar without grabbing one.

The word can also refer to something physical that holds someone or something back. Police officers use restraints like handcuffs. A seatbelt is a safety restraint that keeps you secure in a car.

When someone acts with restraint, they're being thoughtful and measured rather than wild or excessive. A teacher might praise a student for showing restraint when dealing with a frustrating situation. The opposite would be acting without restraint, meaning letting your emotions or desires take over completely.

Restraint isn't about never having strong feelings or desires. It's about having them but choosing when and how to act on them. That choice is what makes restraint a sign of maturity and self-control.