constraint

noun

con·​straint kən-ˈstrānt 

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

a life of invalidism and constraint

c

: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check

put legal constraints on the board's activities

Budget constraints have forced me to revise my travel plans.

2

a

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

emotional constraint

b

: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment

" … a constraint between us as if we were strangers … "

—John P. Marquand

Synonyms

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

Examples of constraint in a Sentence

Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.

They demand freedom from constraint.

They refuse to work under constraint any longer.

Recent Examples on the Web

The report highlights risks related to economic conditions, supply chain constraints, and competition. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

Loading your audio article SAN JOSE — Dozens of parents and their children gathered Thursday evening to protest potential closures in Berryessa Union School District and ask officials to consider alternative solutions for budget constraints. —Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

Aligning the hosting decision with the organization's needs—speed, control or budget constraints—is critical to a smooth deployment. —Abhishek Shivanna, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The agency, which celebrated its centennial last year, continues to expand its initiatives but must do so within these fiscal constraints. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French constrainte, from constraindre — see constrain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

constraint

noun

con·​straint kən-ˈstrānt 

1

: the act of constraining : the state of being constrained

2

: something that constrains : check

3

: a holding back of one's feelings, actions, or behavior