CONSTRAIN


Meaning of CONSTRAIN in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ kən-ˈstrān ]

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 -ˈstrā-nəd-lē, -ˈstrānd-lē adverb

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.