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

• constrainer noun
• constrainable adjective
• 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

As Stormont's health minister, Nesbitt is facing ongoing financial challenges due to constrained budgets, while trying to transform services and ensure pay parity for health care workers.

Read more on BBC

“Lower U.S. yields, surging industrial demand, constrained physical supply, and robust investor buying are driving prices into uncharted territory.”

Read more on MarketWatch

Beijing is looking for the U.S. to remove tariffs, as well as various technology restrictions that have constrained Chinese companies and the broader economy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Even as demand is set to surge, aluminum’s supply is likely to be constrained by electricity.

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“The customer is constrained and under pressure,” said Michael Lavin, president and chief operating officer of Consumer Portfolio Services, at a conference last month.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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