Constrain meaning

kən-strān'
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.

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.

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To compel by physical, moral, or circumstantial force; oblige.

Felt constrained to object to his behavior.

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To force into, or hold in, close bounds; confine.
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To force; compel; oblige.

He was constrained to agree.

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To keep within close bounds; to confine.
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To reduce a result in response to limited resources.
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To produce in a forced or inhibited manner.
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To hold back by force; restrain.
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Origin of constrain

  • Middle English constreinen from Old French constraindre constraign- from Latin cōnstringere to restrain, compress com- com- stringere to bind, press together streig- in Indo-European roots
    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
  • Middle French constraindre, ultimately from Latin constringō. Compare French contraindre.
    From Wiktionary

Constrain Sentence Examples

  • Loose fitting sleepwear is the most comfortable since it does not bind or constrain.

  • 64) that to constrain or coerce a personal being is to treat him as an inanimate agent; for such a principle is quite inapplicable to cases of mere terrorism, whilst it may be doubted if it even renders the sense of the savage magician's typical notion of his modus operandi, viz.

  • The ~ force required to constrain the weight a to move in a circle, that is the de viating force, produces an equal and -~ opposite reaction on the shaft, whose X amount F is equal to the centrifugal force Wa2 rig Ib, where r is the radius of the mass centre of the weight, and - a is its angular velocity in radians per second.

  • Is, the Jews assail Paul because he has trusted and appealed to the name of a Messiah whom they regard as an overthrower of the law; for Paul believed that God had invested Jesus with a name above all names, potent to constrain and overcome all lesser powers, good or evil, in heaven or earth or under earth.

  • Don't constrain yourself by thinking that a limousine is the only acceptable choice.

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Words near constrain in the Dictionary