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con·strain

constrain

 
 
pronunciation:
kn streIn
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: constrains, constraining, constrained
definition 1: to cause by physical, moral, or other compulsion; compel; oblige.
His sense of duty constrained him to speak out.
synonyms:
compel, impel, oblige
similar words:
bind, coerce, force, obligate, pressure, require
definition 2: to keep within tight restrictions; confine.
The tight jacket constrained her movements.He thought that doing commercial art would constrain his creativity.
 
synonyms:
confine, curb, limit, restrict
similar words:
bind, enclose, leash, pinch
definition 3: to hold back; restrain.
The guards constrained the defiant prisoner.Modesty constrains him from boasting of his latest accomplishments.
synonyms:
inhibit, restrain
similar words:
bind, encumber, repress, stifle
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derivations: constrainable (adj.), constrainingly (adv.), constrainer (n.)
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature