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

straiten Synonyms

straiten

v.

  1. Distress

    perplex, corner, fluster; see confuse, embarrass 1.

  2. To limit

    contract, confine, constrain; see hinder, restrict 2.

in straitened circumstances

short of money, financially embarrassed, broke*; see insolvent, poor 1.

straiten Usage Examples

Object

  • circumstance: From within our straitened circumstances, with clearer vision by the Spirit, we may see the Living Lord.
  • time: The performance on the field was not of the standard Leeds fans are entitled to expect - even in these straitened times.
  • mind: Cyberspace is a place for mutual trust Note about Tarthang Tulku, Tibetan lama Do straitened minds compensate with mystical hopes?
  • mean: Education will in every way be expanded as fast as our straitened means allow.

Modifying Another Word

  • not: Let them not straiten their desire, nor abate their trust, nor abandon their dependence, nor stint their song.
  • financially: An anthropologist getting by on grants is in financially straitened circumstances.