constrain Hear it!

constrain definition

con·strain (kən strān′)

transitive verb

  1. to force into, or hold in, close bounds; confine
  2. to hold back by force; restrain
  3. to force; compel; oblige he was constrained to agree

Etymology: ME constreinen < OFr constreindre < L constringere, to bind together, draw together < com-, together + stringere, to draw tight: see strict

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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