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

Many employers are simply not able to accommodate some disabilities, Saul says, while time constraints also mean he can not help them as much as he would like.

From BBC

But due to funding constraints, the programme only runs during the school holidays, when the beaches are busier.

From BBC

Rejecting calls for a wealth tax and increases in borrowing to fund government spending, Sir Keir said he would not "cast off the constraints and indulge in ideological fantasy".

From BBC

“You would assume that the military has certain constraints that they would want to impose to protect their activities, but we just don’t know.”

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the president’s performance is that of raw and corrupt power, and being freed from nearly all constraints on his behavior.

From Salon

Related Words

• curb 
• hindrance 
• restraint