constrict

verb

con·​strict kən-ˈstrikt How to pronounce constrict (audio)
constricted; constricting; constricts

transitive verb

1
a
: to make narrow or draw together
Smoking constricts blood vessels.
b
: compress, squeeze
constrict a nerve
These shoes are too small and they constrict my feet.
2
: to stultify, stop, or cause to falter : inhibit
The expectation of violence constricts our lives.Marge Piercy

intransitive verb

: to become constricted
The drug causes the blood vessels to constrict.
constrictive adjective

Did you know?

Arteries constricted by cholesterol slow the flow of blood, just as traffic arteries or highways constricted by accidents slow the flow of traffic. But constriction isn't always physical. Economic growth may be constricted by trade barriers. A narrow, constricted life may be the result of poverty or lack of opportunity. And an actress may feel constricted by a role she played as a child or by her TV character from years ago, which the public refuses to forget.

Choose the Right Synonym for constrict

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of constrict in a Sentence

The drug is used to constrict blood vessels. The declining economy has constricted job opportunities. a life constricted by poverty and disease He felt constricted by their notions of what was proper.
Recent Examples on the Web Though federal regulators recently moved to loosen the regulations governing OTPs, even clinics attempting to provide convenient, compassionate care are still constricted by federal and local policy. Lev Facher, STAT, 12 Mar. 2024 The pull-on dress (no buttons or zippers here!) has a slit in its skirt that offers plenty of room to move without feeling constricted, and its lightweight fabric gives it an airy feel. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 If the pump is not the problem, perhaps the vessels do not dilate or constrict appropriately (getting larger or smaller) when necessary. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 Jan. 2024 Additionally, cold temperatures constrict the arteries and decrease the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the heart. Journal Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2024 Its padding-free, two-ply cups are strong enough to comfortably redistribute soft breast tissue and minimize the appearance of a larger bust size without constricting or squeezing your skin, which shoppers applaud in their reviews. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 The weight of the mask is just light enough to feel comforting rather than constricting. Megan Schaltegger, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2024 It’s earned over 9,000 perfect reviews and counting, with shoppers praising the fact that it’s fitted without being constricting—perfect for cold-weather layering. Jake Smith, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2024 Advertisement The New York Times issued a disturbing report this month on the financial turmoil constricting off-Broadway. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constrict.' 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

Latin constrictus, past participle of constringere — see constrain

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of constrict was in 1732

Dictionary Entries Near constrict

Cite this Entry

“Constrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constrict. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

constrict

verb
con·​strict kən-ˈstrikt How to pronounce constrict (audio)
: to make or become narrower or smaller by drawing together : squeeze, tighten
constrictive adjective

Medical Definition

constrict

transitive verb
con·​strict kən-ˈstrikt How to pronounce constrict (audio)
1
: to make narrow or draw together
constrict the pupil of the eye
2
: to subject (as a body part) to compression
constrict a nerve
constrictive adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on constrict

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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