to stop somebody/something from doing something, especially by using physical force

to stop yourself from feeling an emotion or doing something that you would like to do

John managed to restrain his anger.

I restrained the urge to punch him.

She had to restrain herself from crying out in pain.

I was tempted to answer back, but I restrained myself.

to stop something that is growing or increasing from becoming too large

The government is taking steps to restrain inflation.

Economic growth first induced, then restrained population growth.

LEARNit Dictionary