constrain
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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to compel or force, esp by persuasion, circumstances, etc; oblige
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to restrain by or as if by force; confine
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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unconstrainableadjective
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constrainernoun
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constrainableadjective
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unconstrainingadjective
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nonconstrainingadjective
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constraininglyadverb
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has constrainedperfect 3rd person singular
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have constrainedperfect
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has been constrainingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been constrainingperfect progressive
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is constrainingprogressive 3rd person singular
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am constrainingprogressive 1st person singular
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are constrainingprogressive
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constrainssingular 3rd person
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constrainingparticiple
Past
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had constrainedperfect
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were constrainingprogressive plural
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had been constrainingperfect progressive
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was constrainingprogressive singular
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constrainedsimple
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constrainedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of constrain
1275–1325; Middle English constrei ( g ) nen < Anglo-French, Middle French constrei ( g ) n- (stem of constreindre ) < Latin constringere. See con-, strain 1
Explanation
To constrain is to hold back, restrain, or confine. If you've ever had to constrain a toddler in the middle of a temper tantrum, you know you have to watch out for flailing limbs. The verb constrain comes from the Latin word constringere, which means to bind together or tie tightly. Constrain can imply both literal and figurative bindings. You can constrain someone by physically holding on to something like a person's shirt. Or, you can figuratively constrain someone by putting up obstacles. Your teenagers, for example, may feel constrained by your rules and accuse you of sucking the fun out of their social lives.
Vocabulary lists containing constrain
Just Mercy
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Excerpt from "The Declaration of Independence"
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Essential English Vocabulary, List 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Constrain implies the yielding of judgment and will, and in some cases of inclination or affection, to an overmastering power; as, "the love of Christ constraineth us," 2 Cor. v, 14.
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin
"Constrain me!" repeated the woman savagely and tossing her head with pride.
From The Son of Clemenceau by Dumas fils, Alexandre
Constrain is positive; restrain is negative; one is constrained to an action; he is restrained from an action.
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin
Constrain, kon-strān′, v.t. to urge with irresistible power: to force, compel: to distress: to confine: to limit: to cause constraint.—adj.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various
From fury and from pressing He turneth for thy good, As if by love and blessing Constrain thy heart He would.
From Paul Gerhardt's Spiritual Songs Translated by John Kelly by Gerhardt, Paul
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
