held in restraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held in restraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is being confined or controlled, often in a legal or psychological sense. Example: "The suspect was held in restraint until further investigation could be conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

While held in restraint, just before the search, they emit low, well-disciplined whines of almost unbearable expectation.

The New Yorker

In a preface to "The Notebook of Trigorin," he observes, "Chekhov was a quiet and delicate writer whose huge power was always held in restraint.

The New Yorker

In a note preceding the text Williams paid tribute to Chekhov as a "quiet and delicate writer whose huge power was always held in restraint," and acknowledged that he himself possessed "quite different qualities".

The New York Times

"A majority, held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations and always changing easily with deliberate changes of popular opinions and sentiments, is the only true sovereign of a free people," Lincoln told his audience in the First Inaugural Address.

The New York Times

The liquid is black as death with a hard crust on top dusted with white fungus, that in turn held in restraint an acrid smell that when the crust was disturbed sent me running for air.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A majority held in restraint by constitutional checks and limitations, and always changing easily with deliberate changes of popular opinions and sentiments, is the only true sovereign of a free people," Lincoln said, in the inaugural address he gave that day.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Meanwhile, within the compound, a group of special children – junior hungries with distinct mental abilities and zombie-ism under control – are being taught by liaison officer Helen Justineau Gemma Artertonn) in a special class, where they are held in restraints.

The Guardian - Film

I found out that he was the father of Cayne Miceli, a much-beloved New Orleans resident who died on 6 January after she stopped breathing while being held in restraints in the psychiatric unit of the notorious Orleans Parish Prison.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you are having a C Section in the UK you should not have to face having your arms strapped down or held in restraints during surgery, as this is not done in the UK.

WikiHow

Mild physical abuse is being hit, smacked in the face or held in involuntary restraint.

BMC Women's Health

One child vomited while being held in a "prolonged" restraint at G4S-run Rainsbrook, a secure training centre (STC) where teenager Gareth Myatt died in 2004 from "positional asphyxia" after choking on his own vomit while being restrained by guards.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held in restraint", consider the tone you want to convey; it often suggests a lack of freedom or a suppressed state. Opt for synonyms if a lighter tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "held in restraint" interchangeably with phrases like "held back" or "held down". "Held in restraint" specifically implies a deliberate effort to confine or control, whereas the others may refer to hesitation or physical suppression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held in restraint" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being controlled or confined. Ludwig examples show it used to describe both physical and emotional restriction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "held in restraint" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the act of controlling or confining someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and it implies an imposition of control. While not extremely common, it is a useful phrase for conveying a sense of restriction or suppression. When writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, as alternatives like "kept under control" or "confined" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under control

Similar to 'kept under control', but can refer to managing a situation rather than a person.

kept under control

Emphasizes the maintenance of control over someone or something.

kept in check

Highlights the act of preventing something from exceeding acceptable limits.

confined

Focuses on the physical restriction of movement or space.

detained

Implies a temporary holding, often for legal or investigative purposes.

imprisoned

Indicates a longer-term confinement, usually as a result of a sentence.

curbed

Suggests a restriction or limitation on an action or behavior.

suppressed

Implies the forceful prevention of expression or action.

repressed

Focuses on the subconscious holding back of emotions or desires.

under wraps

Suggests secrecy and concealment.

FAQs

How can I use "held in restraint" in a sentence?

You can use "held in restraint" to describe someone or something that is being physically confined or emotionally suppressed. For example, "The suspect was "held in restraint" until the police arrived" or "Her anger was "held in restraint" due to the presence of her boss".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "held in restraint"?

Alternatives to "held in restraint" include "kept under control", "confined", or "detained", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "held in restraint" or "restrained"?

Both "held in restraint" and "restrained" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Restrained" is a more direct verb, while "held in restraint" emphasizes the ongoing act of keeping someone or something under control.

What's the difference between "held in restraint" and "held back"?

"Held in restraint" implies a forceful act of confinement or control, whereas "held back" suggests hesitation or a deliberate decision not to act. For example, "He was "held in restraint" by the police" versus "He held back his tears".