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

• 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

Undermining green energy growth removes one of gas’s most important allies—and, paradoxically, could constrain its future. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

The combination of limited production capacity and expensive weapons sometimes constrained the government’s options. —Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

All of that allowed Charlie to remain the focus of the series’ concept of right and wrong, and pivoted her into new relationships rather than constraining her too much to Agent Luca. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2025

Should demand rise unexpectedly or supply disruptions occur, the current low rig count could constrain the ability to ramp up production quickly. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

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