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

The Russia-Ukraine war has constrained Russian crude oil supplies. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024

He is constrained not so much by his vaunted love for Israel but by the wide gap between U.S. and Israeli stakes in the conflict and the challenge to his administration of navigating an emerging, historic partisan political split over the U.S.-Israeli relationship in a decisive election year. —Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 9 Apr. 2024

But its priests have historically been constrained by the anticlerical policies that took root during the 19th-century war of independence from Spain. —Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024

And the state court system, which is paper-based, is constrained by its limited digital data. —Callie Ferguson Ashley L. Conti, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2024

The challenge is even more formidable in Africa and other emerging markets: not only are public resources constrained for such financing schemes, but the workers tend to be poorer and may well live in poverty. —Harry G. Broadman, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Like any source produced by humans and constrained by budgets, Daberkow said, the honey report and Census of Agriculture have their limitations. —Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024

Cocoa, on the other hand, is rising in value because its supply has been severely constrained by climate change. —Melvin Backman, Quartz, 29 Mar. 2024

My own research suggested that Facebook failed to constrain activity among abusive superusers that weighed heavily in algorithmic promotion. —Nathaniel Lubin, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024

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