constrict

American  

[kuhn-strikt] / kənˈstrɪkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or press in; cause to contract or shrink; compress.

   Synonyms:

   tighten, bind, squeeze, cramp

   Antonyms:

   expand

2. to slow or stop the natural course or development of.

   Greed and aggressiveness constricted the nation's cultural life.

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constrict British  

/ kənˈstrɪkt /

verb

1. to make smaller or narrower, esp by contracting at one place

2. to hold in or inhibit; limit

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Other Word Forms

• nonconstricted adjective
• nonconstricting adjective
• unconstricted adjective
• well-constricted adjective

Etymology

Origin of constrict

1375–1425 for earlier past participle sense; 1725–35 for current senses; late Middle English < Latin constrīctus (past participle of constringere to draw together, tie up), equivalent to con- con- + strīc- (variant stem of stringere to tie; strict ) + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

The album capped a lengthy, constricting record label contract that Charli had been trying to optimize for years, to varying success.

From Salon

My chest constricts as a wave of homesickness overwhelms me.

From Literature

Now he knew that every pore in his body could constrict with terror.

From Literature

The rapid timetable is designed to constrict the amount of time the two parties have to build a campaigning infrastructure in the constituency.

From BBC

These two brief scenes quickly and credibly evoke a complex bond, and a family life that constricts in some ways and comforts in others.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• circumscribe
• compress
• cramp