👅 A tissue fold ⛓️ A restraint

frenum

9.9

Something that limits people's actions, like a custom or law

noun
/ˈfrɛnəm/

Archaic

: freno

The laws acted as a frenum to prevent chaos in the city.

Examples

In ancient societies, custom served as a frenum on individual behavior.
He believed that tradition was a necessary frenum for a stable community.
In ancient texts, the term frenum was often used figuratively.
Some cultures view the frenum as a symbol of restraint.
In ancient societies, custom served as a frenum on individual behavior.
The laws acted as a frenum to prevent chaos in the city.
He believed that tradition was a necessary frenum for a stable community.

Synonyms

restraint

vsfrenum

44 3.9

A rule or measure that limits what people can do

is a rarer, more literary term used to name such a limiting force

bridle

vsfrenum

2 7.0

Something that limits a person's actions or power

is an older, figurative word meaning a general check or limit

How Restrictive

fetter

4 8.4

constraint

22 4.6

frenum

Archaic

9.9

restriction

340 3.0

limit

738 1.4

Surface Forms

frenum singular

frena plural

Etymology

Frenum comes from Latin for 'bridle', a thing that checks an animal, so by extension it can mean a 'restraint' or limit on action. This older meaning explains why writers use frenum to talk about rules or customs that hold people back.