straitened; straitening
ˈstrāt-niŋ 
ˈstrā-tᵊn-iŋ
2
archaic
: to restrict in freedom or scope : hamper
3
: to subject to distress, privation, or deficiency
in straitened circumstances
Examples of straiten in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But her circumstances did not remain straitened for long.
—
Jess Bergman, The New Republic, 20 Feb. 2023
Generally, its decisions tend toward loosening rather than straitening the rules.
—Mary Norris, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2019
Despite the fact that the family's construction firm is relatively prosperous due to its generous share of government contracts, the family's finances are considerably straitened.
—Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 9 Mar. 2017
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Jess Bergman, The New Republic, 20 Feb. 2023
Generally, its decisions tend toward loosening rather than straitening the rules.
—Mary Norris, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2019
Despite the fact that the family's construction firm is relatively prosperous due to its generous share of government contracts, the family's finances are considerably straitened.
—Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 9 Mar. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Straiten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straiten. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
straiten
verb
strait·en
ˈstrāt-ᵊn
straitened; straitening
ˈstrāt-niŋ
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to limit or restrict especially in resources
straitened by misfortune
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