constrained
[kuh n-streynd]
- forced, compelled, or obliged: a constrained confession.
- stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed: a constrained manner.
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Origin of constrained
constrain
[kuh n-streyn]
- 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.
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Origin of constrain
Synonyms
See more synonyms for constrain on Thesaurus.com1. coerce. 2. check, bind.
Antonyms
2. free.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for constrained
Contemporary Examples
In one fell swoop, the Supreme Court has constrained government power, expanded corporate rights, and protected religious tyranny.
Both are constrained by the willingness of readers to shell out money for books that may or may not be worth buying.
Tesla has said that its ability to produce cars has been constrained by a lack of batteries from suppliers.
To put it anachronistically, you didn't belong to the constrained world of Marx and Milton Friedman.
He never ignited much enthusiasm, however, and he was constrained to choose a highly ideological legislator running mate.
Historical Examples
Through dinner Harriett and Robin were silent and constrained.
Life and Death of Harriett FreanMay 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 BagLouis Joseph Vance
Casanova was constrained to admit that he often played cards at the Baron's house.
Casanova's HomecomingArthur Schnitzler
constrained
- embarrassed, unnatural, or forceda constrained smile
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constrain
- to compel or force, esp by persuasion, circumstances, etc; oblige
- to restrain by or as if by force; confine
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Word Origin
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
v.
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper