Constrain Definition

kən-strān
constrained, constraining, constrains
verb
constrained, constraining, constrains
To keep within certain limits; confine or limit.
American Heritage
To force into, or hold in, close bounds; confine.
Webster's New World
To hold back by force; restrain.
Webster's New World
To force; compel; oblige.
He was constrained to agree.
Webster's New World
To produce in a forced or inhibited manner.
American Heritage
Antonyms:

Origin of Constrain

  • Middle English constreinen from Old French constraindre constraign- from Latin cōnstringere to restrain, compress com- com- stringere to bind, press together streig- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Middle French constraindre, ultimately from Latin constringō. Compare French contraindre.

    From Wiktionary

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