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constrain

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To constrain is to impose limitations or restrictions on someone or something, or to force yourself or someone else to act in a certain way.

(verb)

When you limit someone's freedom, this is an example of a situation where you constrain that person.
When you compel someone to follow a specific course of action, this is an example of a situation where you constrain that person.
When you force yourself to act in a certain manner, this is an example of a situation where you constrain your behavior.

See constrain in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

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

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

See constrain in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb con·strained, con·strain·ing, con·strains

To compel by physical, moral, or circumstantial force; oblige: felt constrained to object. See Synonyms at force.
To keep within close bounds; confine: a life that had been constrained by habit to the same few activities and friends.
To inhibit or restrain; hold back: “Failing to control the growth of international debt will also constrain living standards” (Ronald Brownstein).
To produce in a forced or inhibited manner.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English constreinen

Origin: , from Old French constraindre, constraign-

Origin: , from Latin cōnstringere, to restrain, compress

Origin: : com-, com-

Origin: + stringere, to bind, press together; see streig- in Indo-European roots

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