WordLens

constrain

1 of 1verb
/ˈkəns.treɪn/
Forms:constrains,constraining,constrained,constrained
1

to force someone to act in a certain way

C2
  • The tight deadline constrained the team to work late nights to complete the project on time.
  • Financial limitations constrained us to choose the most cost-effective solution.
  • The rules of the game constrained the players to follow a specific strategy.
  • The scarcity of resources constrained the company to prioritize its investments carefully.
  • Social expectations constrained them to conform to traditional gender roles.
Synonyms:
2

to impose restrictions or limitations that narrow the range of possibilities or actions available

transitive
  • Safety regulations constrained the design of the building, limiting architectural creativity.
  • Market conditions constrained the company's ability to introduce new products.
  • Space limitations constrained the layout of the apartment, necessitating creative storage solutions.
  • Ethical considerations constrained the company's marketing tactics, prohibiting certain promotional strategies.
  • Legal concerns constrained the government's ability to implement certain policies.
3

to restrict movement or actions through restraint or confinement

transitive
  • The handcuffs constrain his movements, preventing him from fleeing.
  • Yesterday, they constrained the prisoner in a straightjacket to prevent self-harm.
  • The tight ropes are currently constraining the struggling animal.
  • If he continues to misbehave, we will have to constrain him in a timeout chair.