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

This is made worse by weak institutional constraints on violence. —Astha Rajvanshi, TIME, 17 July 2024

Military constraints resulting from Russia’s Ukraine campaign and political prudence mandated by its relations with the Gulf Arab states should keep the Kremlin from getting too deeply involved with Iran’s proxies. —Hanna Notte, Foreign Affairs, 15 July 2024

Harry Styles has for obvious reasons–including feather boas, saloon dresses and nail polish–also been credited with liberating men from such staid constraints. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 15 July 2024

The asset cap places a constraint on Wells Fargo’s growth by prohibiting the bank from doing more lending and, in turn, increasing interest incomes. —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 14 July 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