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 of constraint continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression Words Related to constraint 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 of constraint self-abandonment, uninhibitedness; unrestrainedness; gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence; bluntness, candor, frankness; immoderacy, intemperance Antonyms of constraint disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

2 something that limits one's freedom of action or choice put legal constraints on the board's activities Synonyms of constraint check, circumscription, condition, restriction, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, strictureWords Related to constraint exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings; ban, prohibition, proscriptionNear Antonyms of constraint 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 of constraint arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, force, duress, pressureWords Related to constraint 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 of constraint agreement, approval, consent, permission; convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion