Check; restraint — applying pressure or signals to keep someone or something in check or discourage an action.
彼の発言はライバルを牽制するねらいがある。
His remarks were intended to put the rival in check.
政府は慎重なコメントで野党の動きを牽制した。
The government used cautious comments to restrain the opposition's moves.
面接官は質問で応募者の本気度を牽制しようとした。
The interviewer tried to test (or check) the applicant's seriousness with his questions.
Containment/diversionary action: a tactical move to limit enemy forces or draw attention away (feint or show of force).
前線で小規模な攻撃を行い、敵を牽制する作戦が採られた。
A small-scale attack was carried out at the front line as a containment/diversion operation.
会議中にその発言は相手チームの議論を牽制するためのものだった。
During the meeting, that remark was meant to divert or check the opposing team's discussion.
Baseball: a pickoff throw or action to hold a runner on base (pickoff/pickoff throw).
ピッチャーの牽制でランナーが刺された。
The runner was picked off by the pitcher's pickoff throw.
彼は牽制球が上手く、ランナーをほとんど出さない。
He's good at pickoff throws and hardly allows runners to take a lead.