Restrict Meaning
Restrict Definition & Usage
To limit or control the movement, access, or quantity of something.
Examples
- "The government decided to restrict access to the building for security reasons."
- "The new laws will restrict the sale of alcohol to minors."
- "The teacher restricted the use of mobile phones during exams."
- "You should restrict your sugar intake if you're trying to lose weight."
- "The company has restricted the use of certain software on their computers."
To confine or put physical limits on someone's movement or action.
Examples
- "The police restricted traffic on the main road due to the parade."
- "He felt restricted by the tight collar on his shirt."
- "The ropes were used to restrict the movement of the prisoners."
- "Due to the snowstorm, the authorities restricted movement in the area."
- "The restrictions on travel during the pandemic affected many people's plans."
To limit the scope or extent of something, such as freedom or opportunities.
Examples
- "Her creativity was restricted by the strict rules of the competition."
- "The budget cuts have restricted the development of new projects."
- "The lack of resources has restricted our ability to expand the business."
- "Social norms can restrict personal expression in certain cultures."
- "The restrictions on free speech were seen as an infringement on rights."
Cultural Context
The verb 'restrict' comes from the Latin word 'restrictus', meaning 'to tie back' or 'to limit'. Over time, it has evolved to refer to the imposition of limitations in various contexts, both physical and abstract.
The Restriction of Freedom
Story
The Restriction of Freedom
On a cold winter's morning, Lucy walked through the city's bustling streets, her path blocked by a large, iron gate that read 'Restricted Area'. She stared at it for a moment, wondering what lay beyond. The gate was just one of many signs that had started to appear all over town after the new mayor had come into power. He had promised to make the city safer, but Lucy couldn't shake the feeling that his restrictions were doing more harm than good. The most visible change was the way the government had restricted access to public spaces. Streets were closed off, parks were locked, and even the library had limited its opening hours. Lucy had always been a curious soul, and now she found herself more intrigued than ever. What was behind all these new limitations? Her friend Mark, an artist, had been struggling with the mayor's restrictions. 'The budget cuts have restricted our ability to showcase new art,' he told her. 'And without freedom to express ourselves, how are we supposed to grow?' Lucy understood. The restrictions on creativity were stifling, and she couldn't help but feel that the world was becoming smaller every day. But despite the hurdles, she knew there was still a way forward. One evening, after meeting with Mark, Lucy decided to push back. She didn't want to let the restrictions win. She rallied some of her friends, and together they formed a plan to challenge the mayor's decisions. They believed that it was time for people to have the freedom to live without these imposed limits. The city, they argued, was too restricted, and it was high time to reclaim it. Together, they began organizing a peaceful protest to show the government that the people needed space to breathe, to move, and to express themselves freely. The mayor’s restrictions, they knew, could not last forever.
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