straiten Hear it!

straiten definition

straiten (strāt′'n)

transitive verb

  1. Now Rare
    1. to make strait or narrow
    2. to hem in closely
    3. to restrict or confine in scope, range, etc.; hamper
  2. to bring into difficulties; cause to be in distress or want: usually in the phrase in straitened circumstances, lacking sufficient money

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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