straiten
(strāt′'n)
transitive verb
- Now Rare
- to make strait or narrow
- to hem in closely
- to restrict or confine in scope, range, etc.; hamper
- to bring into difficulties; cause to be in distress or want: usually in the phrase , lacking sufficient money
See straiten in American Heritage Dictionary 4
transitive verb strait·ened,
strait·en·ing,
strait·ens a. To make narrow.
b. To enclose in a limited area; confine.
- To put or bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship.
- Archaic To restrict in latitude or scope.
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