constrain
verbOPAL W
/kənˈstreɪn/
/kənˈstreɪn/
(formal)Verb Forms
| present simple I / you / we / they constrain | /kənˈstreɪn/ /kənˈstreɪn/ |
| he / she / it constrains | /kənˈstreɪnz/ /kənˈstreɪnz/ |
| past simple constrained | /kənˈstreɪnd/ /kənˈstreɪnd/ |
| past participle constrained | /kənˈstreɪnd/ /kənˈstreɪnd/ |
| -ing form constraining | /kənˈstreɪnɪŋ/ /kənˈstreɪnɪŋ/ |
- [usually passive] to force somebody to do something or behave in a particular way
- be/feel constrained to do something The evidence was so compelling that he felt constrained to accept it.
- The company said that it was constrained to raise prices.
Extra Examples- She was an annoying woman, but I always felt constrained to be pleasant to her.
- They found themselves constrained to accept the proposal.
- [often passive] to limit somebody/something
- be constrained (by something) Research has been constrained by a lack of funds.
- Men and women are becoming less constrained by stereotyped roles.
- constrain something There are a number of factors that constrain agricultural development.
- be/feel constrained from doing something She felt constrained from continuing by the threat of losing her job.
Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French constraindre, from Latin constringere ‘bind tightly together’.