constrain

verb

(transitive) To keep within close bounds; to confine.

(transitive) To force physically, by strong persuasion or pressuring; to compel; to oblige.

(transitive) To reduce a result in response to limited resources.

Roots

stringo-strain · Latin · draw tight, bind

Synonyms for constrain

restrainv confinev restrictv enforcev straitenv curtailv compelv stiflev coercev inhibitv hinderv

Synonyms & related words for constrain

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of constrain — including restrain, confine, restrict, enforce, straiten, curtail. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to constrain

Explore words related to constrain — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include constrainable, impose, constraint, astrict, tighten, limitary, constringe, constrict. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for constrain

Common synonyms for constrain include restrain, confine, restrict, enforce, straiten, curtail, compel, stifle — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does constrain come from?

The word constrain breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root -strain, from Latin stringo (“draw tight, bind”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.