1. To limit, control, or slow down the rate or extent of expansion, development, or increase in size, quantity, or intensity
The government implemented policies to restrain growth in public spending.
O governo implementou políticas para conter o crescimento dos gastos públicos.
2. To hold back or prevent something from growing excessively or uncontrollably
The central bank raised interest rates to restrain growth in inflation.
O banco central aumentou as taxas de juros para conter o crescimento da inflação.