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 Word Forms

• nonconstricted adjective
• nonconstricting adjective
• unconstricted adjective
• well-constricted 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

I struggle against my restraints, but the wires constrict their grip and grow a little hotter against my skin.

Read more on Literature

BEIJING—China has demonstrated it can weaponize its control over global supply chains by constricting the flow of critical rare-earth minerals.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After DexCom shifted its focus to the Type 2 population last year, Type 1 sales constricted.

Read more on Barron's

And Mr. Stock’s Micah is sensitive to the point of seeming to squirm inside a constricted, wounded soul.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

While Camp Pendleton is a large base, spanning approximately 125,000 acres between Orange and San Diego counties, its constricted location makes it relatively challenging for Marines to engage in dynamic, live firing exercises.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• circumscribe 
• compress 
• cramp