Constraint vs. Restraint: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023

A constraint is a limitation or restriction on something, while restraint is the act of holding back or controlling something or someone.

Key Differences

Constraint typically refers to a limitation or restriction that confines or restricts possibilities, while restraint is the action of holding back or controlling someone or something.

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Constraints are often used in the context of physical or metaphorical barriers or limitations, whereas restraints are more associated with the act of controlling or moderating actions or behaviors.

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In technical fields, constraint often refers to limitations in systems or processes, while in behavioral contexts, restraint is used to describe self-control or the act of controlling others.

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Both constraint and restraint have metaphorical uses, but constraint often describes limitations on ideas or options, whereas restraint refers to moderation or temperance in actions or decisions.

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In a physical sense, a constraint is something that physically restricts, like a barrier, whereas restraint is the act of physically holding something back.

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Comparison Chart

Definition

Limitation or restriction on possibilities

Act of holding back or controlling

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Context

Often refers to barriers or limitations

Associated with control or moderation

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Field of Application

Common in technical and systemic contexts

More common in behavioral and psychological contexts

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Metaphorical Use

Describes limits on ideas, options, or resources

Implies moderation, temperance in actions or decisions

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Physical vs. Abstract

Can be a physical barrier or a systemic limit

Act of physical or psychological control

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Constraint and Restraint Definitions

Constraint

In physical terms, a constraint is something that confines.

The narrow canyon was a natural constraint for the hikers.

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Restraint

Restraint can refer to moderation or self-control.

His restraint in spending helped him save money.

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Constraint

In resource management, constraint refers to a scarcity of resources.

Time constraints often dictate the pace of a project.

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Restraint

Restraint is the act of controlling or holding back.

She showed remarkable restraint in not responding to the provocation.

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Constraint

Constraint can also mean a psychological limitation.

His fear of failure was a major constraint on his ambitions.

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Restraint

Physically, restraint is holding someone or something back.

The safety restraints in the car saved her life.

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Constraint

Constraint refers to a limitation or restriction.

Budget constraints limited the project's scope.

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Restraint

Restraint can mean a legal or ethical limit.

The laws placed restraints on corporate practices.

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Constraint

The threat or use of force to prevent, restrict, or dictate the action or thought of others.

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Restraint

The act of restraining

Police restraint of the suspect.

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Constraint

The state of being restricted or confined within prescribed bounds

Soon tired of the constraint of military life.

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Restraint

The condition of being restrained, especially the condition of losing one's freedom

A suspect held in restraint.

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Constraint

One that restricts, limits, or regulates; a check

Ignored all moral constraints in his pursuit of success.

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Restraint

An influence that inhibits or restrains

"If the enemy could be defined as radically evil, then the restraints of morality did not apply" (James Carroll).

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Constraint

Embarrassed reserve or reticence; awkwardness

"All constraint had vanished between the two, and they began to talk" (Edith Wharton).

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Restraint

A device or other means of restraining movement

A child restraint in a car.

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Constraint

Something that constrains; a restriction.

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Restraint

Control of the expression of one's feelings; constraint

Cursed without restraint.

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Constraint

An irresistible force or compulsion.

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Restraint

(countable) something that restrains, ties, fastens or secures

Make sure all the restraints are tight.

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Constraint

The repression of one's feelings.

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Restraint

(uncountable) control or caution; reserve

Try to exercise restraint when talking to your boss.

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Constraint

(mathematics) A condition that a solution to an optimization problem must satisfy.

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Restraint

The act or process of restraining, or of holding back or hindering from motion or action, in any manner; hindrance of the will, or of any action, physical or mental.

No man was altogether above the restrains of law, and no man altogether below its protection.

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Constraint

(databases) A linkage or other restriction that maintains database integrity.

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Restraint

The state of being restrained.

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Constraint

The act of constraining, or the state of being constrained; that which compels to, or restrains from, action; compulsion; restraint; necessity.

Long imprisonment and hard constraint.

Not by constraint, but by my choice, I came.

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Restraint

That which restrains, as a law, a prohibition, or the like; limitation; restriction.

For one restraint, lords of the world besides.

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Constraint

The state of being physically constrained;

Dogs should be kept under restraint

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Restraint

The of act controlling by restraining someone or something;

The unlawful restraint of trade

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Constraint

A device that retards something's motion;

The car did not have proper restraints fitted

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Restraint

Discipline in personal and social activities;

He was a model of polite restraint

She never lost control of herself

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Constraint

The act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others

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Restraint

The state of being physically constrained;

Dogs should be kept under restraint

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Constraint

In systems, a constraint is a limiting factor or condition.

The system's speed is subject to hardware constraints.

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Restraint

A rule or condition that limits freedom;

Legal restraints

Restraints imposed on imports

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Restraint

Lack of ornamentation;

The room was simply decorated with great restraint

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Restraint

A device that retards something's motion;

The car did not have proper restraints fitted

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Restraint

Restraint can also imply temperance in behavior or speech.

His restraint during the debate impressed the audience.

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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can constraints be physical?

Yes, constraints can be physical, like barriers, or abstract, like rules.

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Is restraint always physical?

Restraint can be physical or psychological, involving control over actions or emotions.

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How are constraints used in business?

In business, constraints refer to limitations or restrictions on resources, time, or capacity.

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Are constraints negative?

Constraints can be seen as negative, but they can also guide productive or creative processes.

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What is a constraint?

A constraint is a limitation or restriction on something.

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Is self-restraint important?

Self-restraint is important for personal discipline and social interactions.

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Do constraints apply to creativity?

Constraints can apply to creativity, often serving as a catalyst for innovative solutions.

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What is restraint?

Restraint is the act of holding back or controlling something or someone.

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How do restraints affect decision-making?

Restraints can lead to more thoughtful and considered decision-making.

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What does restraint mean in law?

In law, restraint refers to limits or controls placed on actions, such as legal restrictions.

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Can a person show restraint?

Yes, showing restraint means exhibiting self-control or moderation in behavior.

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Is restraint necessary in leadership?

Restraint is often necessary in leadership to maintain composure and make balanced decisions.

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What is an example of a physical constraint?

An example of a physical constraint is a locked door preventing entry.

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How does cultural context affect restraint?

Cultural context can significantly influence how restraint is perceived and practiced.

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Are constraints always external?

Constraints can be external, like rules, or internal, like personal limitations.

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What's the role of constraints in project management?

In project management, constraints determine the scope, timeline, and resources.

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Can constraints be beneficial?

Yes, constraints can be beneficial by providing structure and focus.

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How does restraint manifest in communication?

In communication, restraint manifests as controlled, thoughtful, and respectful dialogue.

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Can restraint be taught?

Restraint, especially self-restraint, can be developed and strengthened over time.

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Are there psychological constraints?

Yes, psychological constraints include mental barriers, beliefs, and attitudes that limit actions or thinking.

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About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.