Definition of constrain

< constitutive

constraint >

con·strain    (kn-strn) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
con·strained, con·strain·ing, con·strains

1. To compel by physical, moral, or circumstantial force; oblige: felt constrained to object. See Synonyms at force.
2. To keep within close bounds; confine: a life that had been constrained by habit to the same few activities and friends.
3. To inhibit or restrain; hold back: "Failing to control the growth of international debt will also constrain living standards" (Ronald Brownstein).
4. To produce in a forced or inhibited manner.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English constreinen, from Old French constraindre, constraign-, from Latin cnstringere, to restrain, compress : com-, com- + stringere, to bind, press together; see streig- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
con·straina·ble(Adjective), con·strained·ly  (-strnd-l) KEY (Adverb), con·strainer(Noun)