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 of constrain

• compel
• coerce
• force
• obligate
• oblige

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

There are others, however, who disagree – arguing that the harms caused by gun deaths, drug abuse and overdose, and the spread of preventable disease require regulation that constrains or prohibits completely people’s freedom to choose. — Jen Cole Wright, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026

But with refining capacity now constrained, even plentiful crude supplies cannot be quickly processed into gasoline and diesel. — CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

As the war with Iran rages on and transit through the Strait of Hormuz is constrained, energy prices remain high (though not quite as high as before). — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2026

Agents are neither polite nor impolite; they are unconstrained until constrained. — Evan J. Schwartz, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for constrain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

constrain

verb

con·​strain kən-ˈstrān 

1

: compel sense 1

2

: confine sense 1

3

: restrain sense 1