constraint Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun the state of being physically constrained
restraint.
- dogs should be kept under restraint
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noun a device that retards something's motion
restraint.
- the car did not have proper restraints fitted
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noun the act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others
WordNet
Con*straint" noun
Etymology
OF.Definitions
The act of constraining, or the state of being constrained; that which compels to, or restrains from, action; compulsion; restraint; necessity. Long imprisonment and hard constraint. Spenser.
Not by constraint, but b my choice, I came. Dryden.
Syn. -- Compulsion; violence; necessity; urgency. -- Crabb.Constraint ,Compulsion . Constraint implies strong binding force; as, the constraint of necessity; the constraint of fear. Compulsion implies the exertion of some urgent impelling force; as, driven by compulsion. The former prevents us from acting agreeably to our wishes; the latter forces us to act contrary to our will. Compulsion is always produced by some active agent; a constraint may be laid upon us by the forms of civil society, or by other outward circumstances.
