constraining

con·strain  (kn-strn)

tr.v. con·strained, con·strain·ing, con·strains

1. To compel by physical, moral, or circumstantial force; oblige: felt constrained to object. See Synonyms at force.

2. To keep within close bounds; confine: a life that had been constrained by habit to the same few activities and friends.

3. To inhibit or restrain; hold back: "Failing to control the growth of international debt will also constrain living standards" (Ronald Brownstein).

4. To produce in a forced or inhibited manner.

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[Middle English constreinen, from Old French constraindre, constraign-, from Latin cnstringere, to restrain, compress : com-, com- + stringere, to bind, press together; see streig- in Indo-European roots.]

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con·straina·ble adj.

con·strained·ly (-strnd-l) adv.

con·strainer n.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

constraining - restricting the scope or freedom of action confining, limiting, restricting, constrictive restrictive - serving to restrict; "teenagers eager to escape restrictive home environments"