constraint

1 the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others in civilized society people do not just say or do whatever they feel like—they exercise some constraint Synonyms continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression Related Words command, control, mastery, possession; self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower; composure, self-poise, self-possession; aloofness, detachedness, distance; bashfulness, modesty, shyness; reticence, silence, taciturnity Near Antonyms self-abandonment, uninhibitedness; unrestrainedness; gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence; bluntness, candor, frankness; immoderacy, intemperance Antonyms disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

2 something that limits one's freedom of action or choice put legal constraints on the board's activities Synonyms check, circumscription, condition, restriction, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, strictureRelated Words exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings; ban, prohibition, proscriptionNear Antonyms freedom, latitude

3 the use of power to impose one's will on another parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents Synonyms arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, force, duress, pressureRelated Words browbeating, bulldozing, bullying; fear, intimidation, menace, sword, terror, terrorism, threat, violence; squeeze, squeeze play; might, muscle, potency, puissance, strength; hardheadedness, self-will, willfulness; strain, stressNear Antonyms agreement, approval, consent, permission; convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion