The meaning of CONSTRAIN is to force by imposed stricture, restriction, or limitation. How to use constrain in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Constrain.

CONSTRAINED definition: forced, compelled, or obliged. See examples of constrained used in a sentence.

CONSTRAIN definition: 1. to control and limit something: 2. to control and limit something: 3. to limit someone's…. Learn more.

We were constrained [= limited] by the short amount of time we had. Teenagers often feel constrained [= limited] by rules. She felt constrained [= (more commonly) felt compelled] to …

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 con•strained (kən strānd′), adj. forced, compelled, or obliged: a constrained confession. stiff or unnatural; …

To produce in a forced or inhibited manner: "This smile seemed to touch something off in her ... and playfully she constrained her own roguish smile" (Naeem Murr).

be/feel constrained to do something The evidence was so compelling that he felt constrained to accept it. The company said that it was constrained to raise prices.

To constrain someone or something means to limit their development or force them to behave in a particular way. We are constrained by a lack of funding.

CONSTRAINED definition: 1. forced to do something against your will: 2. Constrained behaviour is forced and unnatural: 3…. Learn more.

The meaning of CONSTRAINT is the act of constraining. How to use constraint in a sentence.