straiten

[ streyt-n ]

/ ˈstreɪt n /

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See synonyms for: straiten / straitened on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to put into difficulties, especially financial ones: His obligations had straitened him.

to restrict in range, extent, amount, pecuniary means, etc: Poverty straitens one's way of living.

Archaic.

to make narrow.
to confine within narrow limits.

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have

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Origin of straiten

First recorded in 1515–25; strait + -en¹

OTHER WORDS FROM straiten

un·strait·ened, adjective

Words nearby straiten

strain hardening, straining arch, straining piece, straining sill, strait, straiten, straitjacket, strait-lace, strait-laced, Straits dollar, Straits Settlements

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use straiten in a sentence

Does he not, at this instant, straiten and invade your confederates, whom you have solemnly sworn to protect?
The Young Gentleman and Lady's Monitor, and English Teacher's Assistant|John Hamilton Moore
O love immense and independent, which nothing can limit or straiten!
Spiritual Torrents|Jeanne Marie Bouvires de la Mot Guyon
Col. Harden, at the same time, with a body of mounted militia, had it in charge to straiten the enemy upon the Edisto.
The Life of Francis Marion|William Gilmore Simms
Hatsell, Baron—Mr. Cowper, I would not have you straiten yourself, but only ask those questions that are pertinent.
State Trials Vol. 2 (of 2)|Various

He told me he could not say but it might straiten him a little; but, however, it was my money, and I might want it more than he.
The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (1808)|Daniel Defoe

British Dictionary definitions for straiten

straiten

/ (ˈstreɪtən) /

verb

(tr; usually passive) to embarrass or distress, esp financially

(tr) to limit, confine, or restrict

archaic to make or become narrow

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

straiten

Origin of straiten

OTHER WORDS FROM straiten

Words nearby straiten

Words related to straiten

How to use straiten in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for straiten