'restrain' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'restringere,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'stringere' meant 'to bind tightly.'

'restringere' transformed into the Old French word 'restreindre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'restrain' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to bind back or hold back,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to limit or control.'