constrain

/kən'strein/

Thân thiện

The new regulations constrain the company's expansion plans.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To compel or force someone to follow a particular course of action: To impose a limitation or restriction on someone's behavior or choices.
   • To restrict or limit the scope, extent, or activity of something: To keep something within certain bounds or limits.
   • To hold back or inhibit: To prevent something from developing or expressing itself freely.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Financial difficulties constrain our ability to travel this year.
  • The treaty constrains both nations from developing nuclear weapons.
  • She felt constrained by the strict social rules of her community.
  • The tight deadline constrained the team's creativity.

Advanced Usage

• "to be constrained to do something": To be forced or feel compelled to do something, often against one's will or preference.
  • He was constrained to admit his mistake after seeing the evidence.
• "to constrain oneself": To hold back one's own actions, words, or feelings.
  • She constrained herself from responding to the unfair criticism.

Variants and Related Words

• Constraint (n): A limitation or restriction.
  • Time was the main constraint on the project.
• Constrained (adj): Appearing forced or unnatural; restricted.
  • His smile seemed constrained and insincere.
• Unconstrained (adj): Not restricted or limited; free.
  • The children played with unconstrained joy.

Synonyms

• Restrict: To put a limit on.
• Limit: To set a point beyond which something does not or may not extend.
• Compel: To force or oblige someone to do something.
• Curb: To restrain or keep in check.

Related Phrases

• To act under constraint: To act while feeling forced or limited.
  • The agreement was signed under constraint, not out of genuine willingness.

Học thuật

Verb

1. restrict
   • Tighten the rules
   • stiffen the regulations
2. hold back

Từ đồng nghĩa

• stiffen
• tighten
• tighten up
• restrain
• encumber
• cumber