constrain
Limit by force
To constrain is to restrict, limit, or hold back.
Physical constraints confine movement: The straitjacket constrained his arms.
Abstract constraints limit options: Budget constraints forced us to cut the project.
To feel constrained is to feel restricted or obligated: She felt constrained to accept the invitation.
The word implies external pressure rather than voluntary restraint.
To obstruct movement
- obstructBlock or hinder passage
- inhibitTo restrain or hinder
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- hamperObstruct or clothes basket
curb · check · hold back · stall · delay · frustrate · thwart · deter
Confine as punishment
- cageBarred confinement structure
- jailDetention facility
- detainHold in custody
- quarantineIsolation preventing disease transmission
isolate · intern · incarcerate · pen · coop · enclose · immure · contain
Metal limb restraint
- chainLinked segments forming length
- fetterAnkle chain for prisoners
- tetherFastening cord for animals
- tieEqual score, or neckwear
fasten · secure · truss · lash · leash · strap · clamp · pinion
Covering for top
- ceilingRoom's upper surface
- boundaryLine marking a limit
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- maximumGreatest permitted quantity
quota · curtail · regulate · moderate · control · ration · bound · parameter
impede
To obstruct movement
hamper · curb · check · hold back · stall · delay · frustrate · thwart · deter · interfere
imprison
Confine as punishment
quarantine · isolate · intern · incarcerate · pen · coop · enclose · immure · contain · corral
shackle
Metal limb restraint
tie · fasten · secure · truss · lash · leash · strap · clamp · pinion · hobble
cap
Covering for top
maximum · quota · curtail · regulate · moderate · control · ration · bound · parameter · scope
constrict
To squeeze tightly
clench · grip · tense · taut · screw · clamp · vice · tourniquet · stranglehold · wrench
force
Strength or compulsion
mandate · require · necessitate · impose · dictate · demand · command · impel · drive · urge
- obstructblock, halt, stop, impede, hinder
- restrainhold back, suppress, hold in, keep in, keep down
- securingfasten, secure, lock up, latch, bolt
- dominateovercome, surpass, subdue, prevail, conquer
- cutbackscutback, cutbacks, decrease, layoff, reduction
- narrowing downnarrow, focus, pinpoint, zero in, home in
- time constraintsLimits on duration
- budget constraintsLimits on spending capacity
- financial constraintsMonetary restrictions on resources
- budgetary constraintsSpending boundaries from limited funds
- legal constraintsLaw-imposed restrictions
constraint, constrained, unconstrained, constraints, constraining, constrains