restraining order
C1Legal / Formal / Everyday (in legal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A legal order issued by a court to stop one person from approaching, contacting, or harming another person.
Any formal or informal directive or arrangement designed to restrict or control someone's actions for safety or security reasons.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically denotes a legal injunction; implies a prior threat or act of harm. The word 'order' is key – it is a command with legal force, not a suggestion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term and concept are identical in both jurisdictions. The procedural specifics (e.g., types like 'non-molestation order' in UK law) may differ, but the core term 'restraining order' is widely understood.
Connotations
Strongly associated with domestic violence, stalking, and harassment cases. Carries connotations of legal protection and a breakdown in personal relations.
Frequency
Common in news reports and legal dramas in both varieties. Slightly more frequent in American media, but equally standard in British legal discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
obtain a restraining order AGAINST [someone]The court issued a restraining order ON/BEhalf OF [the petitioner].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not directly applicable; the term itself is a fixed legal phrase.]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; potentially in cases of corporate harassment or trade secret protection.
Academic
Used in legal, sociological, or criminological research discussing domestic violence or legal remedies.
Everyday
Common in news reports and personal discussions about legal protection from harassment.
Technical
A precise term in law, with specific criteria for issuance and legal consequences for violation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The court can order him to stay away.
- She applied to have him restrained from contacting her.
American English
- The judge ordered him to stay 500 feet away.
- She filed to have him restrained from approaching her home.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable; 'restraining' is not used as an adverb in this context.]
American English
- [Not applicable; 'restraining' is not used as an adverb in this context.]
adjective
British English
- She sought a restraining order against her neighbour.
- The order had a restraining effect on his behaviour.
American English
- She got a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend.
- The order's restraining provisions were clearly stated.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The woman has a paper from the judge. The man must not come near her.
- She got a restraining order because her ex-partner was harassing her.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RESTRAIN means to hold back. A RESTRAINING ORDER is a legal paper that holds someone back from contacting you.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A BARRIER / PROTECTION IS A SHIELD. The order conceptually creates an invisible, legally enforced wall or shield around the protected person.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like '*ограничивающий приказ*'. The standard legal translation is '**судебный запрет**' or '**запретительный судебный приказ**'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'restriction order' (incorrect). Confusing it with a peace bond or other less formal agreements. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He was restraining ordered' – incorrect; say 'A restraining order was issued against him').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a restraining order?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A restraining order is a civil court order. Violating it is a crime, which can lead to arrest, but the order itself is not an arrest.
No. You typically need to demonstrate to a court a credible threat, harassment, or act of violence from the person against whom you seek the order.
It varies. They can be temporary (e.g., a few weeks) or permanent, depending on the court's judgement and the severity of the situation.
Violating a restraining order is a criminal offence. The person can be arrested, charged, and potentially face fines or jail time.