con ‧ strain AC /kənˈstreɪn/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ constrain ; noun : ↑ constraint ]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: constraindre , from Latin constringere 'to constrict, constrain' , from com- ( ⇨ COM- ) + stringere 'to pull tight' ]
1 . to stop someone from doing what they want to do SYN restrict
constrain somebody from doing something
Financial factors should not constrain doctors from prescribing the best treatment for patients.
2 . to limit something SYN restrict :
Poor soil has constrained the level of crop production.
Women’s employment opportunities are often severely constrained by family commitments.