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 mode
2 : compress; also : to clasp tightly
3 : to secure by or as if by bonds : confine; 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>

synonyms see force

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