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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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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