constrict
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to make smaller or narrower, esp by contracting at one place
-
to hold in or inhibit; limit
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
nonconstrictedadjective
-
nonconstrictingadjective
-
unconstrictedadjective
-
well-constrictedadjective
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
constrictsimple
-
constrictssimple
-
have constrictedperfect
-
has constrictedperfect
-
am constrictingprogressive
-
are constrictingprogressive
-
is constrictingprogressive
-
have been constrictingperfect progressive
-
has been constrictingperfect progressive
Past
-
constrictedsimple
-
had constrictedperfect
-
was constrictingprogressive
-
were constrictingprogressive
-
had been constrictingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of constrict
1375–1425 for earlier past participle sense; 1725–35 for current senses; late Middle English < Latin constrīctus (past participle of constringere to draw together, tie up), equivalent to con- con- + strīc- (variant stem of stringere to tie; see strict) + -tus past participle suffix
Explanation
To constrict is to squeeze uncomfortably. If your new turtleneck sweater constricts your neck, the sweater is probably too small. When things constrict, they become narrow or make something else become narrow. A boa constrictor kills its prey when it constricts the animal's body until it can no longer breathe, and a necktie that's tied too tightly constricts your neck. In medicine, certain conditions or medications can constrict openings such as airways or blood vessels, sometimes dangerously. The Latin root is constringere, "to bind together or tie tightly."
Vocabulary lists containing constrict
Bridge to Terabithia
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Leap," Vocabulary from the short story
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 1)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The KWS has not commented on the allegation about the car park but said that the public had been consulted about the plan to constrict a new orphanage.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
The issue facing Russia and Iran now is how the Middle East war will constrict supplies of the materials they need to produce drones and wage their respective wars.
From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026
In contrast, exposure to bright light allows the pupil to constrict in response to brightness rather than focusing distance, helping maintain healthier retinal stimulation.
From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026
“If you bring the caps down, you’re going to constrict credit,” Bank of America Chief Executive Brian Moynihan said Wednesday.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026
It was so much like Grandmother’s pipe, Nhamo suddenly felt her throat constrict.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
