[con.strain] vt [ME, fr. MF constraindre, fr. L constringere to constrict, constrain, fr. com- + stringere to draw tight--more at strain] (14c) 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 ~ed smile"
5: to hold back by or as if by force "~ing my mind not to wander from the task --Charles Dickens" syn see force -- con.strained.ly adv