definitions

constrain

[ kuhn-streyn ]
/ kənˈstreɪn /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR constrain ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to force, compel, or oblige: He was constrained to admit the offense.
to confine forcibly, as by bonds.
to repress or restrain: Cold weather constrained the plant's growth.

RELATED WORDS

inhibit, bind, necessitate, curb, constrict, stifle, incarcerate, chain, immure, deprive, coerce, intern, check, make, compel, confine, urge, oblige, cork, pressure

Nearby words

constitutionality, constitutionalize, constitutionally, constitutive, constr., constrain, constrained, constraint, constrict, constriction, constriction ring

Origin of constrain

1275–1325; Middle English constrei(g)nen < Anglo-French, Middle French constrei(g)n- (stem of constreindre) < Latin constringere. See con-, strain1

Related forms

Can be confused

coerce compel constrain force oblige
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for constrain

British Dictionary definitions for constrain

constrain

/ (kənˈstreɪn) /

verb (tr)

to compel or force, esp by persuasion, circumstances, etc; oblige
to restrain by or as if by force; confine

Derived Forms

constrainer, noun

Word Origin for constrain

C14: from Old French constreindre, from Latin constringere to bind together, from stringere to bind
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012