constraint

con·straint

noun \kən-ˈstrānt\

Definition of CONSTRAINT

1

a : the act of constraining

b : the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action <the constraint and monotony of a monastic life — Matthew Arnold>

c : a constraining condition, agency, or force : check <put legal constraints on the board's activities>

2

a : repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions

b : a sense of being constrained : embarrassment

Examples of CONSTRAINT

1. Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.
2. They demand freedom from constraint.
3. They refuse to work under constraint any longer.

Origin of CONSTRAINT

Middle English, from Middle French constrainte, from constraindre

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to CONSTRAINT

Synonyms

continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression

Antonyms

disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Related Words

command, control, mastery, possession; self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower; composure, self-poise, self-possession; aloofness, detachedness, distance; bashfulness, modesty, shyness; reticence, silence, taciturnity

Near Antonyms

self-abandonment, uninhibitedness; unrestrainedness; gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence; bluntness, candor, frankness; immoderacy, intemperance

Rhymes with CONSTRAINT

acquaint, attaint, bepaint, complaint, distraint, greasepaint, impaint, oil paint, restraint, war paint