restrictive

/rɪˈstrɪktɪv/
adjective
  1. Limiting or controlling someone's actions, choices, or freedom; not allowing much freedom.
    • The school's dress code was very restrictive and didn't allow students to wear jeans.
    • Living in a restrictive environment can make people feel frustrated.
    • She found the contract too restrictive and decided not to sign it.
  2. Describing a clause or phrase in grammar that gives essential information about the noun it modifies, without which the meaning would change.
    • A restrictive clause is not set off by commas because it is necessary to identify the noun.
    • In the sentence 'The book that I borrowed is overdue,' the clause 'that I borrowed' is restrictive.
    • Writers must be careful not to confuse restrictive and non-restrictive clauses.