περιορίζω
Lemma: περιορίζω
Translation: to limit; to restrict; to confine; to constrain; to reduce (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek περιορίζω (periorizō), composed of the prefix περι- (peri-, 'around') and ὁρίζω (horizō, 'to set boundaries, to define'). The root ὁρίζω gave English the word 'horizon' (the boundary between earth and sky) and is related to words like 'horizontal' and 'horoscope'. The prefix περι- appears in English words like 'perimeter' and 'peripheral', indicating something surrounding or enclosing.
Example Usage
Η κυβέρνηση περιόρισε τις μετακινήσεις κατά τη διάρκεια της πανδημίας.
The government restricted movement during the pandemic.
Πρέπει να περιορίσουμε τα έξοδά μας αυτόν τον μήνα.
We need to limit our expenses this month.
Το διαβατήριό μου περιορίζει τις χώρες που μπορώ να επισκεφθώ.
My passport restricts the countries I can visit.
Περιόρισε τον εαυτό του στο σπίτι μετά την εγχείρηση.
He confined himself to the house after the surgery.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'peri' (around) + 'horizon' (boundary) = putting boundaries around something
- Visualize drawing a circle (περι-) around something to set its limits (ορίζω)
- Connect with 'horizon' - just as the horizon limits how far you can see, περιορίζω limits something
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
The concept of setting boundaries and limits is important in Greek culture, which values moderation (μέτρον άριστον - 'moderation is best'). The verb is commonly used in political, social, and personal contexts to discuss limitations on freedom, resources, or behavior.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While περιορίζω means 'to limit/restrict', ορίζω means 'to define/determine'. Περιορίζω contains the prefix περι- (around) which adds the sense of enclosing or constraining.
Confused word:
Ο νόμος ορίζει τις ποινές για αυτό το αδίκημα.
The law defines the penalties for this offense.
Notes: The prefix περι- changes the meaning from simply defining to actively constraining or limiting.
Mnemonic: Περιορίζω has 'περι' (around) - think of putting restrictions around something; ορίζω is just about defining without necessarily restricting.
Explanation: Περιορίζω means 'to limit/restrict' (allowing something but with boundaries), while εμποδίζω means 'to prevent/hinder' (stopping something completely).
Confused word:
Η ομίχλη εμπόδισε τα αεροπλάνα να απογειωθούν.
The fog prevented the planes from taking off.
Notes: Περιορίζω implies reduction or constraint but not necessarily complete prevention, which is what εμποδίζω implies.
Mnemonic: Περιορίζω sets boundaries (like a fence), while εμποδίζω puts up a complete blockade.