constrain

verb

con·​strain kən-ˈstrān How to pronounce constrain (audio)
constrained; constraining; constrains

transitive verb

1
a
: to force by imposed stricture, restriction, or limitation
Teenagers often feel constrained by rules.
an artist constrained by a client's requirements
b
: to restrict the motion of (a mechanical body) to a particular mode
2
: compress
also : to clasp tightly
3
: to secure by or as if by bonds : confine
constrained to a dungeon
broadly : limit
4
: to force or produce in an unnatural or strained manner
a constrained smile
5
: to hold back by or as if by force
" … constraining my mind not to wander from the task."Charles Dickens
constrainedly
kən-ˈstrā-nəd-lē How to pronounce constrain (audio)
-ˈstrānd-lē
adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for constrain

force, compel, coerce, constrain, oblige mean to make someone or something yield.

force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

Examples of constrain in a Sentence

constrained by conscience to tell only the truth constrained his anger at the needless interruption
Recent Examples on the Web The entrance is constrained and understated, with a wall directly in front of the visitor. Kristina Linnea Garcia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 Israel has completely failed to balance understandable efforts to militarily constrain Hamas against the mass killing and starvation of Palestinians, resulting in war crimes Israel is embodying as much as any power in recent history and which the United States finances and supports diplomatically. Steve Koppman, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 In early 2023, Japan and the Netherlands agreed to limit the export of advanced chip making equipment to Chinese companies, aligning themselves with U.S. efforts to constrain China’s chip sector. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 2 Mar. 2024 That’s constraining the supply of already existing housing stock. Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2024 In theory, Congress could still constrain a destructive president. Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 19 Feb. 2024 Jail stays are constrained by the number of beds available in local jails for such parole violators. Shelly Bradbury, The Denver Post, 21 Feb. 2024 The previous four Lunar New Year holiday periods were constrained by Beijing’s strict COVID controls on mobility and the country’s massive 2023 outbreak. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 19 Feb. 2024 But leaders shouldn’t try to ban political speech altogether, as legal regimes increasingly constrain blanket bans on political discussion. Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constrain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French constraindre, from Latin constringere to constrict, constrain, from com- + stringere to draw tight — more at strain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of constrain was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near constrain

Cite this Entry

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constrain. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

constrain

verb
con·​strain kən-ˈstrān How to pronounce constrain (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on constrain

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