restrictive
UK: rɪˈstrɪktɪv | US: rɪˈstrɪktɪv
adj. imposing limits or restrictions on something
adj. (grammar) limiting the reference of a modified word (e.g., "that" in "the book that I read")
The word "restrictive" traces back to Latin roots. The prefix "re-" (meaning "back" or "again") combines with "strict" (from Latin strictus, meaning "tight" or "drawn together"), reflecting the idea of pulling back or confining. The suffix "-ive" turns the noun into an adjective, giving the sense of "having the quality of restricting." Over time, "restrictive" evolved in English to describe anything that imposes limitations, whether in law, behavior, or grammar.
The school has restrictive rules about cellphone use.
Some countries enforce restrictive immigration policies.
In the sentence "The car that is parked outside is mine," "that is parked outside" is a restrictive clause.
The contract included restrictive covenants to protect trade secrets.
Critics argue that the new law is overly restrictive on free speech.