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

Hatsell, Baron—Mr. Cowper, I would not have you straiten yourself, but only ask those questions that are pertinent.

From State Trials Vol. 2 (of 2) Political and Social by Various

To the Editers of The Cawcashin: Surs:—Didn't I tell you that, as soon as I got here, I would straiten things out?

From Letters of Major Jack Downing, of the Downingville Militia by Smith, Seba

For indeed, Fate full of marvel is: If      fortune straiten thee one day, the next relief is nigh.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume I by Payne, John

Oft times mischance shall straiten noble breast, viii.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 10 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

What shall we do to spread the wing and soar, Nor straiten thy deliverance any more?

From A Book of Strife in the Form of The Diary of an Old Soul by MacDonald, George