v.
Pronunciation: k ə n- ' str ā n
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French constraindre, from Latin constringere to constrict, constrain, from com- + stringere to draw tight ― more at STRAIN
Date: 14th century
1 a : to force by imposed stricture, restriction, or limitation b : to restrict the motion of (a mechanical body) to a particular mode
2 : COMPRESS also : to clasp tightly
3 : to secure by or as if by bonds : CONFINE broadly : LIMIT
4 : to force or produce in an unnatural or strained manner <a constrain ed smile>
5 : to hold back by or as if by force < constrain ing my mind not to wander from the task ― Charles Dickens>
synonyms see FORCE
– con · strained · ly \ - ' str ā -n ə d-l ē , - ' str ā nd-l ē \ adverb