constrains; constrained; constraining
1
: to limit or restrict (something or someone)
She believes that too much instruction constrains [=limits] an artist's creativity.
People with criminal backgrounds are legally constrained [=restricted] from working for some government agencies.
—often used as (be) constrainedWe were constrained [=limited] by the short amount of time we had.
Teenagers often feel constrained [=limited] by rules.
2
formal
: to use pressure to force (someone) to do something
—usually used as (be) constrained
She felt constrained [=(more commonly) felt compelled] to apologize for the harm she'd done.
Cite this Entry
“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/constrain. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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