Definition

1. Noun:
   • A limitation or restriction: A "constraint" is something that limits or controls what you can do.
   • Stiffness or lack of naturalness: A "constraint" can refer to a manner that is not relaxed or free, often because of nervousness or formality.
   • The use of force to control: The act of constraining or the state of being constrained by force or authority.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Financial constraints forced the company to cancel the project. (Limitations in money made the company stop the project.)
  • There was a feeling of constraint in the formal meeting. (The atmosphere in the formal meeting was stiff and not relaxed.)
  • The prisoner was kept under constraint. (The prisoner was controlled by physical force or confinement.)

Advanced Usage

• "To impose/place a constraint on something": To officially set a limit or restriction.
  • The new law places severe constraints on industrial pollution. (The new law sets strict limits on pollution from factories.)
• "To act under constraint": To do something because you are forced to, not because you want to.
  • The confession was made under constraint and is therefore invalid. (The confession was made because of force, so it is not legally acceptable.)

Variants and Related Words

• Constrain (verb): To force someone to do something or to limit or restrict something.
  • The rules constrain our ability to be creative. (The rules limit our creativity.)
• Constrained (adjective): Forced, unnatural, or restricted.
  • He gave a constrained smile. (He smiled in a way that was not natural or free.)

Synonyms

• Restriction: A rule or law that limits what can be done.
• Limitation: The act of controlling or reducing the size or scope of something.
• Compulsion: The action or state of being forced to do something.

Related Phrases

• Budgetary constraint: A limit related to available money.
  • Due to budgetary constraints, we cannot hire new staff. (Because of money limits, we cannot employ new people.)
• Time constraint: A limit related to available time.
  • We are working under a tight time constraint. (We have very little time to complete the work.)

Idioms

• "To feel constraint": To feel unable to act or speak freely.
  • I always feel constraint in his presence. (I never feel relaxed or free to be myself when he is there.)

Noun

1. the act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others
2. a device that retards something's motion
   • the car did not have proper restraints fitted
3. the state of being physically constrained
   • dogs should be kept under restraint