'Constrain' definitions:

Definition of 'constrain'

From: WordNet
verb
Hold back [syn: restrain, encumber, cumber, constrain]
verb
Restrict; "Tighten the rules"; "stiffen the regulations" [syn: stiffen, tighten, tighten up, constrain]

Definition of 'Constrain'

From: GCIDE
  • Constrain \Con*strain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Constrained; p. pr. & vb. n. Constraining.] [OF. constraindre, F. contrainde, L. constringere; con- + stringere to draw tight. See Strain, and. cf. Constrict, Constringe.]
  • 1. To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold tightly; to constringe. [1913 Webster]
  • He binds in chains The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress. [1913 Webster]
  • How the strait stays the slender waist constrain. --Gay. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress. [1913 Webster]
  • My sire in caves constrains the winds. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige. [1913 Webster]
  • The love of Christ constraineth us. --2. Cor. v. 14. [1913 Webster]
  • I was constrained to appeal unto C[ae]sar. --Acts xxviii. 19. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. To violate; to ravish. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effect; as, a constrained voice.
  • Syn: To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'constrain'

From: Moby Thesaurus