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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Nov 15, 2023
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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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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Restraint
Control of the expression of one's feelings; constraint
Cursed without restraint.
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Restraint
(countable) something that restrains, ties, fastens or secures
Make sure all the restraints are tight.
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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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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 SaeedShumaila 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.
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