restraint
noun
uk/rɪˈstreɪnt/ us [ C, usually plural ]
a rule or an agreement that limits the freedom of a person, organization, or country, or that prevents something from growing or increasing:
restraints on sth The bill urges the government to impose restraints on imports.
export/import restraints
budget restraints
financial/fiscal/spending restraints
[ U ]
the act of preventing something from growing or increasing:
The oil industry is exercising restraint.
restraint of trade
COMMERCE
an illegal agreement that damages someone's ability to do business:
Any contract which interferes with the free exercise of his trade or business is a contract in restraint of trade.
See also
price restraint
voluntary export restraint
wage restraint