"Curtail" vs. "restrain": where limits take shape

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 27/12/2024, 20:53

English.me team member

Curtail and restrain. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "curtail" and "restrain" are verbs that involve limiting or controlling something.

What is different?

"Curtail" means to reduce or cut short something in extent or quantity, often implying a reduction in duration or scope. "Restrain" means to hold back or prevent someone or something from acting, often implying control over actions, emotions, or physical movements.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Curtail

The city decided to curtail water usage during the drought.
Budget cuts forced the school to curtail extracurricular activities.
They had to curtail their vacation due to an emergency at home.

Restrain

The security guard had to restrain the unruly passenger.
She tried to restrain her excitement during the surprise party.
Laws are in place to restrain harmful business practices.