constraint

[ kuhn-streynt ]
See synonyms for: constraintconstraints on Thesaurus.com

noun
  1. limitation or restriction.

  2. repression of natural feelings and impulses: to practice constraint.

  1. unnatural restraint in manner, conversation, etc.; embarrassment.

  2. something that constrains.

  3. the act of constraining.

  4. the condition of being constrained.

  5. Linguistics. a restriction on the operation of a linguistic rule or the occurrence of a linguistic construction.

Origin of constraint

1
1350–1400; Middle English constreinte<Middle French, noun use of feminine past participle of constreindre;see constrain

Other words for constraint

Other words from constraint

  • non·con·straint, noun

Words Nearby constraint

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How to use constraint in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for constraint

constraint

/ (kənˈstreɪnt) /


noun
  1. compulsion, force, or restraint

  2. repression or control of natural feelings or impulses

  1. a forced unnatural manner; inhibition

  2. something that serves to constrain; restrictive condition: social constraints kept him silent

  3. linguistics any very general restriction on a sentence formation rule

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