straiten

American  

[streyt-n] / ˈstreɪt n /

verb (used with object)

1. to put into difficulties, especially financial ones.

   His obligations had straitened him.

2. to restrict in range, extent, amount, pecuniary means, etc.

   Poverty straitens one's way of living.

3. Archaic.

   1. to make narrow.

   2. to confine within narrow limits.

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straiten British  

/ ˈstreɪtən /

verb

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

2. (tr) to limit, confine, or restrict

3. archaic to make or become narrow

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Etymology

Origin of straiten

First recorded in 1515–25; strait + -en ¹

Explanation

To straiten is to restrict financially, the way having your rent increase can straiten your circumstances if your salary stays the same. The verb straiten is an old-fashioned one, but it's one way to describe a situation that's been diminished or constrained, usually because of money problems. This meaning derives from an earlier definition, "to restrict or make narrow," from strait, "narrow." If you find your circumstances narrowed by a lack of finances, you'll know what this word is all about.

Example Sentences

They said, "O Sir, it is long betwixt meals, and we are in a starving condition; all is good, sweet and wholesome that you deliver; but why do you so straiten us?"

From Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies) A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies by Howie, John

Cæsar's men daily carried on their works to straiten the enemy; those of Pompey, having the advantage of numbers, did the same to enlarge themselves, and severely galled the enemy by their slingers and archers.

From Pinnock's improved edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome to which is prefixed an introduction to the study of Roman history, and a great variety of valuable information added throughout the work, on the manners, institutions, and antiquities of the Romans; with numerous biographical and historical notes; and questions for examination at the end of each section. By Wm. C. Taylor. by Pinnock, William

No one can wish to straiten his chance of acquittal, or to inquire too curiously whether there be not a pretext for closing the door that now stands ajar.

From William Blake A Critical Essay by Swinburne, Algernon Charles

His most celebrated saying was, " Be constant in meditation on death: if thou bein straitened case 'twill enlarge it, and if in affluence 'twill straiten it upon thee."

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 02 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

P: Lodge them where ye dwell, according to your wealth, and harass them not so as to straiten life for them.

From Three Translations of The Koran (Al-Qur'an) side by side by Ali, Abdullah Yusuf