constrain

verb

con·​strain kən-ˈstrān 

constrained; constraining; constrains

transitive verb

1

a

: to force by imposed stricture, restriction, or limitation

Teenagers often feel constrained by rules.

an artist constrained by a client's requirements

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

constrained to a dungeon

broadly : limit

4

: to force or produce in an unnatural or strained manner

a constrained smile

5

: to hold back by or as if by force

" … constraining my mind not to wander from the task."

—Charles Dickens

constrainedly

kən-ˈstrā-nəd-lē 

-ˈstrānd-lē

adverb

Synonyms

• blackjack
• coerce
• compel
• dragoon
• drive
• force
• impel
• impress
• make
• muscle
• obligate
• oblige
• press
• pressure
• sandbag

Choose the Right Synonym for constrain

force, compel, coerce, constrain, oblige mean to make someone or something yield.

force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

Examples of constrain in a Sentence

constrained by conscience to tell only the truth

constrained his anger at the needless interruption

Recent Examples on the Web

Giannetti said these more traditional monitoring methods are also constrained due to economic costs associated with hiring workers to perform that monitoring. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 6 June 2024

On the other hand, imports from other states may be constrained because of less than normal rainfall in the hydro-rich Pacific Northwest. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2024

Beijing’s push to build a local chip industry is taking on greater intensity in recent years, as the U.S. and its allies try to constrain the export of advanced chips and chipmaking tools to China. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 28 May 2024

As the film’s producers told Architectural Digest, Barbie and her wardrobe are not necessarily constrained by the material laws of object permanence. —Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French constraindre, from Latin constringere to constrict, constrain, from com- + stringere to draw tight — more at strain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

constrain

verb

con·​strain kən-ˈstrān 

1

: compel sense 1

2

: confine sense 1

3

: restrain sense 1