1. abridge To restrain is to hold back from acting, proceeding, or advancing, either by physical or moral force. Constrain is positive; restrain is negative; one is constrained to an action; he is re Synonyms: restrain, abridge, constrain, hold in, keep under, bridle, curb, keep, repress, check, hinder, keep back, restrict, circumscribe, hold, keep down, suppress, confine, hold back, keep in, withhold Antonyms: aid, arouse, encourage, free, incite, release, animate, emancipate, excite, impel, let loose, set free