constraint

noun

Something that constrains; a restriction.

An irresistible force or compulsion.

The repression of one's feelings.

(mathematics) A condition that a solution to an optimization problem must satisfy.

(databases) A linkage or other restriction that maintains database integrity.

Roots

stringo-straint · Latin · draw tight, bind

Synonyms for constraint

restraintn restrictionn compulsionn duressn circumscriptionn coercionn hindrancen inhibitionn

Synonyms & related words for constraint

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of constraint — including restraint, restriction, compulsion, duress, circumscription, coercion. 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 constraint

Explore words related to constraint — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include straitjacketing, constrains, constrained, constraining, limitation, constrainer, constrainable, limitative. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for constraint

Common synonyms for constraint include restraint, restriction, compulsion, duress, circumscription, coercion, hindrance, inhibition — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does constraint come from?

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