v.tr. 1 compel; urge irresistibly or by necessity. 2 a confine forcibly; imprison. b restrict severely as regards action, behaviour, etc. 3 bring about by compulsion. 4 (as constrained adj.) forced, embarrassed (a constrained voice; a constrained manner). constrainedly adv.
[ ME f. OF constraindre f. L constringere (as com-, stringere strict- tie) ]