restriction
gb/ɹistɹˈɪkʃən/ us/ɹistɹˈɪkʃən/
B1
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Rule or law that limits actions
A rule or law that says you cannot do something or can only do it in a certain way.
Usage pattern:
a restriction on [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'restriction' with 'restraint'. 'Restraint' often means self-control, while 'restriction' is usually an external rule or limit.
Synonyms
limitation (Often interchangeable, but 'limitation' can also refer to a personal or physical shortcoming, not just an imposed rule.)
|
constraint (Slightly more formal and often used for abstract or technical limits.)
Antonyms
freedom (Represents the absence of imposed limits or controls.)
|
permission (Indicates allowance rather than prohibition.)
Collocations
impose restrictions
|lift restrictions
|under restrictions
|travel restrictions
|speed restrictions
Themes
law
|government
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The government has imposed new restrictions on large gatherings.
- There are strict restrictions on bringing food into the country.
- Due to health concerns, the school placed restrictions on playground use.
Learner examples
- There is a restriction on smoking here.
- The city made a restriction on parking.
- The school has a restriction on phones.
Noun
B2
action
2
Act of limiting or controlling
The act of making something smaller, less, or limited.
Usage pattern:
the restriction of [something]
Synonyms
reduction (Focuses more on making something smaller rather than on control.)
|
control (Broader term for managing or influencing something.)
Antonyms
expansion (The process of increasing in size or scope.)
|
relaxation (The act of making rules less strict.)
Collocations
restriction of movement
|restriction of trade
|restriction of growth
Themes
business
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The restriction of trade had a negative impact on the economy.
- Environmental groups are calling for the restriction of plastic use.
- The project faced restriction of funding due to budget cuts.
Learner examples
- The restriction of water use helped the town.
- There was a restriction of car traffic in the city.
- They asked for a restriction of noise at night.
Grammar
Dictionary form
restriction
IPA
GB/ɹistɹˈɪkʃən/
US/ɹistɹˈɪkʃən/
Syllables & stress
re - stric - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (stric)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: restriction
- Plural: restriction, restrictions
Word family
Forms
restrictions
noun
Core family
Related words
restrictively
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unrestricted
adjective
Advanced or less common
restrictiveness
noun
Expressions
impose a restriction
1/ɪmpˈoʊz ə ɹistɹˈɪkʃən/
fixed phrase
Put in place a limit or rule
To make a new rule that stops people from doing something.
Examples
- The council imposed a restriction on building heights.
- They imposed restrictions to protect the environment.
lift a restriction
1/lˈɪft ə ɹistɹˈɪkʃən/
fixed phrase
Remove an existing limit or rule
To end a rule that stopped people from doing something.
Examples
- The government decided to lift the restriction on public events.
- They lifted the restriction after the repairs were finished.
under restriction
1/ˈʌndɚ ɹistɹˈɪkʃən/
fixed phrase
Being subject to a limit or rule
When someone or something must follow a rule that limits them.
Examples
- The company is under restriction from the authorities until safety checks are complete.
- He has been under restriction since the incident at work.