straiten
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.
Origin of straiten
1Words Nearby straiten
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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 MooreO love immense and independent, which nothing can limit or straiten!
Spiritual Torrents | Jeanne Marie Bouvires de la Mot GuyonCol. 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 SimmsHatsell, Baron—Mr. Cowper, I would not have you straiten yourself, but only ask those questions that are pertinent.
State Trials Vol. 2 (of 2) | VariousHe 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
/ (ˈstreɪtən) /
(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
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