constrain Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb hold back
encumber; restrain; cumber.
verb restrict
stiffen; tighten; tighten up.
- Tighten the rules
- stiffen the regulations

OF. constraindre, F. contrainde, L. constringere; con- + stringere to draw tight. See Strain, and. cf. Constrict, Conbstringere.

imperfect & past participle Constrained ; present participle & verbal noun Constraining

To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or con to hold tightly; to constringe.
He binds in hains The droway prophet, and his limbs constrains. Dryden.

When winter frosts constrain the fields with old. Dryden.
To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain. Gay.
To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.
My sire in caves constrains the winds. Dryden.
To compel; to force; to necessiate; to oblige.
The love of Christ constraineth us. 2. Cor. v. 14.

I was constrained to appeal unto Csar. Acts xxviii. 19.
To violate; to ravish. Obs. Shak.
To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effet; as, a constrained voice. Syn. -- To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press.