constrain

[ kuhn-streyn ]
/ kənˈstreɪn /
SEE 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.

QUIZZES

THIS 5TH GRADE VOCABULARY QUIZ COVERS ALL THE BASICS

This teacher-developed 5th grade word list covers all the basics to prepare students for middle school.
Question 1 of 10
compact
joined or packed together; closely and firmly united; dense; solid.
ready or inclined to fight.
not participating actively.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

OTHER WORDS FROM constrain

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH constrain

coerce compel constrain force oblige

Words nearby constrain

constitutionality, constitutionalize, constitutionally, constitutive, constr., constrain, constrained, constraint, constrict, constriction, constriction ring
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to constrain

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

Example sentences 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 of constrain

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