constrain

[kuhn-streyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to force, compel, or oblige.

   He was constrained to admit the offense.

   Synonyms: coerce

2. to confine forcibly, as by bonds.

   Synonyms: bind, check
   Antonyms: free

3. to repress or restrain.

   Cold weather constrained the plant's growth.

constrain

/ kənˈstreɪn /

verb

1. to compel or force, esp by persuasion, circumstances, etc; oblige

2. to restrain by or as if by force; confine

Other Word Forms

• constrainable adjective
• constrainer noun
• constrainingly adverb
• nonconstraining adjective
• unconstrainable adjective
• unconstraining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constrain¹

1275–1325; Middle English constrei ( g ) nen < Anglo-French, Middle French constrei ( g ) n- (stem of constreindre ) < Latin constringere. See con-, strain ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of constrain¹

C14: from Old French constreindre, from Latin constringere to bind together, from stringere to bind

Example Sentences

S&P Global downgraded Tether’s rating to weak from constrained due to increased exposure to higher-risk assets.

Read more on Barron's

S&P Global downgraded Tether’s rating to weak from constrained due to increased exposure to higher-risk assets.

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However, Nesbitt said his department's budget for core funding was constrained.

Read more on BBC

Plus, even if the OBR did not exist, the government's Budget decisions would still be constrained by the reaction of markets.

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From the biography, a very English existence emerges, constrained by powerful family bonds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bind 
• constrict 
• curb 
• hold down 
• inhibit 
• necessitate 
• stifle