Main Entry:

con·strain

Pronunciation:

\kən-ˈstrān\

Function:

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 mode2: compress ; also : to clasp tightly3: to secure by or as if by bonds : confine ; broadly : limit4: 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>

synonyms see force

— con·strained·ly \-ˈstrā-nəd-lē, -ˈstrānd-lē\ adverb