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.

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

Definition of constrain verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and 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 apologize for the harm …

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.

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).

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 con•strain (kən strān′), v.t. to force, compel, or oblige: He was constrained to admit the offense. to confine forcibly, …

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

Something that's constrained is forced, unnatural and not very spontaneous — kind of like a linebacker trying to perform the ballet Swan Lake. Constrained contains the word strained for a reason.