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

They are constricted on the one hand by construction that is transforming fields into concrete jungles, and on the other, by impoverished soils and competition from cheap food imports that undermine their revenue.

From Barron's

BEIJING—China has demonstrated it can weaponize its control over global supply chains by constricting the flow of critical rare-earth minerals.

From The Wall Street Journal

After DexCom shifted its focus to the Type 2 population last year, Type 1 sales constricted.

From Barron's

And Mr. Stock’s Micah is sensitive to the point of seeming to squirm inside a constricted, wounded soul.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Camp Pendleton is a large base, spanning approximately 125,000 acres between Orange and San Diego counties, its constricted location makes it relatively challenging for Marines to engage in dynamic, live firing exercises.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• circumscribe
• compress
• cramp