Definition of constraint
1a
: 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.
2a
: 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for constraint
The first known use of constraint was in the 15th century
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