Synonyms

constrain

American

[kuhn-streyn] / kənˈstreɪn /

verb (used with object)

to force, compel, or oblige.

He was constrained to admit the offense.

Synonyms:

coerce
to confine forcibly, as by bonds.

Synonyms:

bind, check

Antonyms:

free
to repress or restrain.

Cold weather constrained the plant's growth.

constrain British

/ kənˈstreɪn /

verb

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

"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

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Etymology

Origin of constrain

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

Explanation

To constrain is to hold back, restrain, or confine. If you've ever had to constrain a toddler in the middle of a temper tantrum, you know you have to watch out for flailing limbs. The verb constrain comes from the Latin word constringere, which means to bind together or tie tightly. Constrain can imply both literal and figurative bindings. You can constrain someone by physically holding on to something like a person's shirt. Or, you can figuratively constrain someone by putting up obstacles. Your teenagers, for example, may feel constrained by your rules and accuse you of sucking the fun out of their social lives.

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Vocabulary lists containing constrain

Just Mercy

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Excerpt from "The Declaration of Independence"

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 3

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Moreover, the rapidly increasing equity supply expected over the coming quarters, alongside potentially tighter monetary policy, could constrain equity multiples,” the strategists said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 24, 2026

"This will constrain whoever is Prime Minister following a potential leadership challenge after Andy Burnham's win in the Makerfield by-election."

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Analysts note that the valuation Anthropic sets will constrain OpenAI’s ability to set its own price when it goes public.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

While global AI-driven demand underpins manufacturing, risks are emerging from potential disruptions to critical inputs, like helium, which could constrain semiconductor and other high-value manufacturing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Such another small basin of thin gruel as his own was all that he could, with thorough self-approbation, recommend; though he might constrain himself, while the ladies were comfortably clearing the nicer things, to say:

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023