constraint

American  

[kuhn-streynt] / kənˈstreɪnt /

noun

1. limitation or restriction.

   Synonyms:

   pressure, obligation, force

2. repression of natural feelings and impulses.

   to practice constraint.

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

4. something that constrains.

5. the act of constraining.

6. the condition of being constrained. constrain.

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

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constraint British  

/ kənˈstreɪnt /

noun

1. compulsion, force, or restraint

2. repression or control of natural feelings or impulses

3. a forced unnatural manner; inhibition

4. something that serves to constrain; restrictive condition

   social constraints kept him silent

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

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Other Word Forms

• nonconstraint noun

Etymology

Origin of constraint

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English constreinte, from Middle French, noun use of feminine past participle of constreindre “to constrain”; constrain

Example Sentences

In the Q&A published Tuesday, the BLS said that it handled the situation as well as it could given resource constraints and a commitment to sticking with transparent methods.

From The Wall Street Journal

The resolutions that endure acknowledge fatigue, distraction and constraints.

From The Wall Street Journal

Energy traders may be focusing on that more negative peace narrative on Monday, bidding up prices as if in anticipation of continued constraints on global oil supply as a result of the conflict.

From Barron's

These are not slogans but constraints — designed to limit damage rather than promise brilliance.

From MarketWatch

These are not slogans but constraints — designed to limit damage rather than promise brilliance.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• curb
• hindrance
• restraint