'Constraint' definitions:

Definition of 'constraint'

(from WordNet)
noun
The state of being physically constrained; "dogs should be kept under restraint" [syn: constraint, restraint]
noun
A device that retards something's motion; "the car did not have proper restraints fitted" [syn: restraint, constraint]
noun
The act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others

Definition of 'Constraint'

From: GCIDE
  • Constraint \Con*straint"\, n. [OF. constrainte, F. constrainte.] The act of constraining, or the state of being constrained; that which compels to, or restrains from, action; compulsion; restraint; necessity. [1913 Webster]
  • Long imprisonment and hard constraint. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
  • Not by constraint, but by my choice, I came. --Dryden.
  • Syn: Compulsion; violence; necessity; urgency.
  • Usage: Constraint, Compulsion. Constraint implies strong binding force; as, the constraint of necessity; the constraint of fear. Compulsion implies the exertion of some urgent impelling force; as, driven by compulsion. The former prevents us from acting agreeably to our wishes; the latter forces us to act contrary to our will. Compulsion is always produced by some active agent; a constraint may be laid upon us by the forms of civil society, or by other outward circumstances. --Crabb. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'constraint'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Constraint'