early 15c., "that which restricts," from Middle French restriction (14c.) and directly from Late Latin restrictionem (nominative restrictio) "limitation," noun of action from past participle stem of Latin restringere "restrict, bind fast, restrain," from re- "back" (see re-) + stringere "draw tight" (see strain (v.)). Meaning "act of restricting" is from 1620s.[restriction etymology, restriction origin, 英语词源]