constrain
verb
con·strain
kən-ˈstrān 
constrained; constraining; constrains
1
a
: to force by imposed stricture, restriction, or limitation
Teenagers often feel constrained by rules.
an artist constrained by a client's requirements
b
: to restrict the motion of (a mechanical body) to a particular mode
2
: compress
also
: to clasp tightly
4
: to force or produce in an unnatural or strained manner
a constrained smile
5
: to hold back by or as if by force
" … constraining my mind not to wander from the task."—
Charles Dickens
Charles DickensSynonyms
Examples of constrain in a Sentence
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
constrained his anger at the needless interruption
Recent Examples on the Web
Limits to the knowledge of an antagonist’s geography have long constrained the capabilities and intentions of any warring party.
—Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Republicans will only be constrained by how much deficit spending the party’s lawmakers and global financial markets can tolerate.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
In the report, Kostin cautioned that a significant rise in 10-year Treasury yields could constrain any sustained rally in stock prices.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
The total was expected to be constrained by two Southeast hurricanes and several worker strikes, but the tally was far lower than what was estimated and job gains for previous months were revised sharply downward, raising concerns about a weakening labor market.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constrain 
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Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
Republicans will only be constrained by how much deficit spending the party’s lawmakers and global financial markets can tolerate.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
In the report, Kostin cautioned that a significant rise in 10-year Treasury yields could constrain any sustained rally in stock prices.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024
The total was expected to be constrained by two Southeast hurricanes and several worker strikes, but the tally was far lower than what was estimated and job gains for previous months were revised sharply downward, raising concerns about a weakening labor market.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constrain
Dictionary Entries Near constrain
Cite this Entry
“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constrain. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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constrain
verb
con·strain
kən-ˈstrān
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