constrict

[ kuhn-strikt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or press in; cause to contract or shrink; compress.

   Synonyms: tighten, bind, squeeze, cramp

   Antonyms: expand

2. to slow or stop the natural course or development of:

   Greed and aggressiveness constricted the nation's cultural life.

constrict

/ kənˈstrɪkt /

verb

1. to make smaller or narrower, esp by contracting at one place
2. to hold in or inhibit; limit

Other Words From

• noncon·stricted adjective
• noncon·stricting adjective
• uncon·stricted adjective
• well-con·stricted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constrict¹

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; strict ) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of constrict¹

C18: from Latin constrictus compressed, from constringere to tie up together; see constrain

Example Sentences

In particular, prolonged standing can raise blood pressure as the body boosts circulation to the lower limbs by constricting blood vessels and increasing the pumping power of the heart.

From Science Daily

Without intervention, a constricted baby may fatally rupture the uterus, or cause tears that catastrophically haemorrhage.

From BBC

In plays such as “The Whale,” “Pocatello” and “A Permanent Image,” he closely examines the sociological landscape, the way economics and culture constrict and magnify, imprison and potentially liberate this thing we call the self.

From Los Angeles Times

Ice water may constrict blood vessels and cause cramping.

From Salon

They would close their eyes and move their ears and whiskers forward when feeling friendly, or constrict their pupils while flattening their ears and flicking their tongues when feeling aggressive.

From Salon

Related Words

• circumscribe
• compress
• cramp