constrict

[ kuhn-strikt ]
See synonyms for: constrictconstrictedconstricting on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to draw or press in; cause to contract or shrink; compress.

  2. to slow or stop the natural course or development of: Greed and aggressiveness constricted the nation's cultural life.

Origin of constrict

1
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

Other words for constrict

Opposites for constrict

Other words from constrict

  • non·con·strict·ed, adjective
  • non·con·strict·ing, adjective
  • un·con·strict·ed, adjective
  • well-con·strict·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use constrict in a sentence

  • Already the doctors drug had begun to loosen the bands of pain constricting the captains brow.

    Cursed | George Allan England
  • By constricting the ducts of the glands they diminish the secretion of those glands, because denying it an exit.

    The Action of Medicines in the System | Frederick William Headland
  • "There he comes now," David replied, his heart pounding wildly and dread constricting his throat.

    The Happy End | Joseph Hergesheimer
  • Brandon's anger pounded up into his head in great waves of constricting passion.

    The Cathedral | Sir Hugh Walpole
  • It could coil its body around them, and crush them with the constricting power of its muscles.

    The Forest Exiles | Mayne Reid

British Dictionary definitions for constrict

constrict

/ (kənˈstrɪkt) /


verb(tr)
  1. to make smaller or narrower, esp by contracting at one place

  2. to hold in or inhibit; limit

Origin of constrict

1
C18: from Latin constrictus compressed, from constringere to tie up together; see constrain

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012