kənzˈtrān, kənˈstr- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English constrainen, from Middle French constraindre, constreindre, from Latin constringere, from com- + stringere to draw tight — more at strain
transitive verb
1.
a. : to force by stricture, restriction, or limitation imposed by nature, oneself, or circumstances and exigencies
no one shall constrain me against my conscience to reveal my beliefs — Alexander Laing
fate was constraining him to follow Cleopatra — John Buchan
b. : to bring about by force or necessity
the evidence constraining belief in his guilt
c. : to restrict the motion of (a mechanical body) along a curve or surface to a particular mode
a wheel is constrained to rotate on its axle
2.
a. : to force or force out in an artificial or unnatural way
a constrained polite laugh at his attempt at humor
b. : to check especially from free or easy indication or expression : stifle the spontaneity of
tensions constrained their friendship because of the difference in station — New Republic
3.
a. : to make fast by or as if by bonds or fetters : imprison
constrained to a dungeon
the winds constrained by magic
b. : to compress tightly : bind narrowly : squeeze
his clothes … constrain him so much that he seems rather their prisoner than their proprietor — Earl of Chesterfield
c. obsolete : constrict , constringe
d. : to withhold or restrain by force : subject to restraint or repression
constraining my mind not to wander from the task — Charles Dickens
e. : to cause to suffer from duress or affliction : distress , oppress
poverty constantly constraining him
intransitive verb
: to force or oblige one : compel
doctrine that enlightens but does not constrain
Synonyms: see force