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.

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”; see constrain

Explanation

A constraint is a limit or restriction. Hopefully your school won't cut the sports or music programs due to budget constraints! You might notice that constraint is similar to the verb constrict, as in boa constrictor. A constraint tightens around you like a snake and prevents you from doing what you want. Financial constraints prevent you from buying the latest electronic device. Are you tired of living under the constraint of your parents' rules? Sometimes your worries or feelings act as a constraint. You know that someone has become a close friend when you can talk to them without constraint.

Example Sentences

For many, Article 9 is not just a legal constraint, but a moral commitment shaped by the devastation of past wars.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Because in a world in which there’s some constraint on political gerrymandering, it’s not unreasonable for folks to think, Well, let’s really put some teeth into that constraint in our state.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

“With capacity an industry-wide constraint and Alphabet’s financial position sound, we believe it makes sense to keep the foot on the gas.”

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Energy is both a constraint and a release valve in Mr. Bessent’s framework.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Incredibly, at this critical juncture in financial history, after which so much changed so quickly, the only constraint in the subprime mortgage market was a shortage of people willing to bet against it.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• curb
• hindrance
• restraint