constrained

[ kuh n-streynd ]
/ kənˈstreɪnd /

adjective

forced, compelled, or obliged: a constrained confession.
stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed: a constrained manner.

Origin of constrained

First recorded in 1565–75; constrain + -ed2

OTHER WORDS FROM constrained

con·strain·ed·ly [kuh n-strey-nid-lee] /kənˈstreɪ nɪd li/, adverb un·con·strained, adjective

Definition for constrained (2 of 2)

constrain
[ kuhn-streyn ]
/ kənˈstreɪn /

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

Example sentences from the Web for constrained

British Dictionary definitions for constrained (1 of 2)

constrained
/ (kənˈstreɪnd) /

adjective

embarrassed, unnatural, or forced a constrained smile

Derived forms of constrained

constrainedly (kənˈstreɪnɪdlɪ), adverb

British Dictionary definitions for constrained (2 of 2)

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