constraint

[kuhn-streynt]

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.

constraint

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nonconstraint noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of constraint¹

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

Example Sentences

Pipeline constraints and the 1920 Jones Act mean the state must import liquefied natural gas from abroad at high prices during the winter.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Plus, there are still unsolved energy constraints facing the AI boom.

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"Sonder has faced severe financial constraints arising from, among other things, prolonged challenges in the integration of the company's systems and booking arrangements with Marriott International," Sonder said in a statement on its website.

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“The airline industry continues to face challenges from geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic headwinds, inflationary cost pressures, and supply chain constraints,” Singapore Airlines said.

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According to market watchers, only about half of the pledged OPEC+ supply increase is expected to hit the market, as some members still have to compensate for past overproduction, while others face capacity constraints.

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Related Words

• curb 
• hindrance 
• restraint