restrictive

[ri-strik-tiv] /rɪˈstrɪk tɪv/
adjective
1.
tending or serving to restrict.
2.
of the nature of a restriction.
3.
expressing or implying restriction or limitation of application, as terms, expressions, etc.
4.
Grammar. limiting the meaning of a modified element:
a restrictive adjective.
Compare descriptive (def 2b).
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English < Middle French restrictif < Latin restrict(us) (see restrict) + Middle French -if -ive
Related forms
restrictively, adverb
restrictiveness, noun
unrestrictive, adjective
unrestrictively, adverb
Examples from the web for restrictive
  • restrictive laws in certain jurisdictions sometimes prompt their ineligibility.
  • In the end, the number of options is remarkably restrictive.
  • It remains to be seen how much control users will have over their portable devices, which are currently far more restrictive.
  • But maps from these providers are extremely restrictive in how they can be used.
  • The shoe's upper wrapped snugly around my feet, but was stretchy enough to feel supportive rather than restrictive.
  • Some science and medical journal editors avoid publishing research findings that could draw lawsuits under restrictive libel laws.
  • The prices of some crops, such as sugar, are kept high by restrictive tariffs.
  • The licenses attempt to overcome the inherently restrictive nature of copyright law.
  • One group ate a restrictive, low-protein diet whereas the other dined on protein-rich foods.
  • The restrictive tactics have enabled publishers to squeeze more dollars from their subscribers.
British Dictionary definitions for restrictive

restrictive

/rɪˈstrɪktɪv/
adjective
1.
restricting or tending to restrict
2.
(grammar) denoting a relative clause or phrase that restricts the number of possible referents of its antecedent. The relative clause in Americans who live in New York is restrictive; the relative clause in Americans, who are generally extrovert, is nonrestrictive
Derived Forms
restrictively, adverb
restrictiveness, noun
Word Origin and History for restrictive
adj.

early 15c., "serving to bind or draw together," from Middle French restrictif, from Late Latin restrictivus, from Latin restrict-, past participle stem of restringere (see restriction). Meaning "imposing restriction" is from 1570s. Related: Restrictively; restrictiveness.