constrain

Meaning

1. (transitive) To force physically, by strong persuasion or pressuring; to compel; to oblige.
2. (transitive) To keep within close bounds; to confine.
3. (transitive) To reduce a result in response to limited resources.

Synonyms

force

compel

coerce

oblige

restrain

press

repress

confine

hold

tighten

tighten up

restrict

stiffen

necessitate

imprison

require

impel

encumber

hinder

hold back

thrust

control

urge

squeeze

strain

assert

pressure

push

limit

impose

mandate

cumber

diligence

deter

detain

depress

catch

beg

deduct

curtail

bulldoze

immobilise

hurry up

curb

bludgeon

apply

hurry

hustle

hold off

convict

Translations

contraindre

astreindre

obligar

costringere

zwingen

constreñir

noodzaken

restringir

einschränken

limiter

αναγκάζω

imposer

obliger

limitar

Pronounced as (IPA)

/kənˈstɹeɪn/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: constreinen

In summary

From Middle English constreinen, from Old French constreindre, from Latin cōnstringō, from cōn- (“with, together”) + stringō (“to draw, bind or tie tight”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *streyg- (“to stroke, to shear, stiff”).