Main Entry: con·straint

Pronunciation: \kən-ˈstrānt\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French constrainte, from constraindre

Date: 15th century

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