constrained

[kuh n-streynd]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR constrained ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

forced, compelled, or obliged: a constrained confession.

stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed: a constrained manner.

Origin of constrained

First recorded in 1565–75; constrain + -ed²

Related formscon·strain·ed·ly

[kuh n-strey-nid-lee] /kənˈstreɪ nɪd li/, adverbun·con·strained, adjective

constrain

[kuhn-streyn]

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.

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 formscon·strain·a·ble, adjectivecon·strain·er, nouncon·strain·ing·ly, adverbnon·con·strain·ing, adjectiveun·con·strain·a·ble, adjectiveun·con·strain·ing, adjective

Can be confusedcoerce compel constrain force oblige

Synonyms for constrain

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR constrain ON THESAURUS.COM

1. coerce. 2. check, bind.

Antonyms for constrain

2. free.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for constrained

strained, embarrassed, awkward, stiff, uneasy, unnatural

Examples from the Web for constrained

Contemporary Examples of constrained

In one fell swoop, the Supreme Court has constrained government power, expanded corporate rights, and protected religious tyranny.
Hobby Lobby: Sex, Lies, and Craft Supplies
Sally Kohn
July 2, 2014
Both are constrained by the willingness of readers to shell out money for books that may or may not be worth buying.
Amazon Is NOT the Vladimir Putin of the Publishing World
Nick Gillespie
June 5, 2014
Tesla has said that its ability to produce cars has been constrained by a lack of batteries from suppliers.
Tesla Looks Like a Bubble, Will It Pop?
Daniel Gross
March 1, 2014
To put it anachronistically, you didn't belong to the constrained world of Marx and Milton Friedman.
I Don't Text on Shabbas
Gershom Gorenberg
June 17, 2013
He never ignited much enthusiasm, however, and he was constrained to choose a highly ideological legislator running mate.
Cruz's Secret Weapon: Republican Despair
David Frum
May 2, 2013

Historical Examples of constrained

Through dinner Harriett and Robin were silent and constrained.
Life and Death of Harriett Frean
May Sinclair
"From general character," Belinda began, in a constrained voice.
Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10)
Maria Edgeworth
"You would say wrong, then," replied Mr. Vincent, in a constrained voice.
Tales And Novels, Volume 3 (of 10)
Maria Edgeworth
The morning meal, therefore, passed off in constrained silence.
The Black Bag
Louis Joseph Vance
Casanova was constrained to admit that he often played cards at the Baron's house.
Casanova's Homecoming
Arthur Schnitzler

British Dictionary definitions for constrained

constrained

adjective

embarrassed, unnatural, or forceda constrained smile

Derived Formsconstrainedly (kənˈstreɪnɪdlɪ), adverb

constrain

verb (tr)

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

to restrain by or as if by force; confine

Derived Formsconstrainer, 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

Word Origin and History for constrained

constrain

early 14c., constreyen, from stem of Old French constreindre (Modern French contraindre) "restrain, control," from Latin constringere "to bind together, tie tightly, fetter, shackle, chain," from com- "together" (see com-) + stringere "to draw tight" (see strain (v.)). Related: Constrained; constraining.