'Straiten' definitions:

Definition of 'straiten'

From: WordNet
verb
Bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship [syn: straiten, distress]
verb
Squeeze together

Definition of 'Straiten'

From: GCIDE
  • Straiten \Strait"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Straitened; p. pr. & vb. n. Straitening.]
  • 1. To make strait; to make narrow; hence, to contract; to confine. [1913 Webster]
  • Waters, when straitened, as at the falls of bridges, give a roaring noise. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • In narrow circuit, straitened by a foe. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To make tense, or tight; to tighten. [1913 Webster]
  • They straiten at each end the cord. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To restrict; to distress or embarrass in respect of means or conditions of life; -- used chiefly in the past participle; -- as, a man straitened in his circumstances. [1913 Webster]