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.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of straiten

First recorded in 1515–25; strait + -en¹

Words nearby straiten

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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

Words nearby straiten

Words related to straiten

How to use straiten in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for straiten