constrain

[ kuhn-streyn ]
/ kənˈstreɪn /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR constrain ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to force, compel, or oblige: He was constrained to admit the offense.
to confine forcibly, as by bonds.
to repress or restrain: Cold weather constrained the plant's growth.

Origin of constrain

1275–1325; Middle English constrei(g)nen < Anglo-French, Middle French constrei(g)n- (stem of constreindre) < Latin constringere. See con-, strain1

OTHER WORDS FROM constrain

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH constrain

coerce compel constrain force oblige

Words nearby constrain

constitutionality, constitutionalize, constitutionally, constitutive, constr., constrain, constrained, constraint, constrict, constriction, constriction ring

Words related to constrain

inhibit, bind, necessitate, curb, constrict, stifle, incarcerate, chain, immure, deprive, coerce, intern, check, make, compel, confine, urge, oblige, cork, pressure

Example sentences from the Web for constrain

British Dictionary definitions for constrain

constrain
/ (kənˈstreɪn) /

verb (tr)

to compel or force, esp by persuasion, circumstances, etc; oblige
to restrain by or as if by force; confine

Derived forms of constrain

constrainer, noun

Word Origin for constrain

C14: from Old French constreindre, from Latin constringere to bind together, from stringere to bind