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Added 9 October 2026

constrain

/kənˈstɹeɪn/ verb

Latin root: cōnstringō Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about constrain at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Compel to behave in a certain way.
Social relations impose courtesy
To close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement.
This holds the local until the express passengers change trains
Severely restrict in scope or extent.
tighten the rules

Origin

From Middle English constreinen, from Old French constreindre, from Latin cōnstringō, from cōn- (“with, together”) + stringō (“to draw, bind or tie tight”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *streyg- (“to stroke, to shear, stiff”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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