constrains
Puts boundaries on
Constrains means limits, restricts, or holds back.
Rules constrain behavior; budgets constrain spending.
The treaty constrains both nations from developing nuclear weapons.
Physical constraints work similarly: a tight space constrains movement.
The word often implies external forces preventing someone from acting freely: She felt constrained by her family's expectations.
Imposed maximum points
- restrictsPlaces limits upon
- boundsEdges or leaps
- confinesEnclosed boundaries or limits
- curbsLimits or restrains
restrains · controls · regulates · inhibits · impedes · hinders · hampers · curtails
Makes less loose
- squeezesApplies compressing force
- constrictsTightens by encircling pressure
- pressesPushes or flattens
- compressesSqueezes into less space
cinches · clamps · grips · pinches · contracts · narrows · stiffens · tensions
Forces into action
- obligesRequires or assists
- forcesCauses of motion
- requiresMakes necessary
- pressuresForces urging action
coerces · necessitates · binds · mandates · dictates · demands · imposes · enforces
Defined boundaries or constraints
- specificationsStated requirements and parameters
- requirementsNecessary conditions for something
- guidelinesSuggested rules for behavior
- boundariesLines marking separation
tolerances · frameworks · budgets · deadlines · scope · trade-offs · optimization · feasibility
limits
Imposed maximum points
curbs · restrains · controls · regulates · inhibits · impedes · hinders · hampers · curtails · checks
tightens
Makes less loose
- squeezesApplies compressing force
- constrictsTightens by encircling pressure
- pressesPushes or flattens
compresses · cinches · clamps · grips · pinches · contracts · narrows · stiffens · tensions · rigidity
compels
Forces into action
pressures · coerces · necessitates · binds · mandates · dictates · demands · imposes · enforces · commits
parameters
Defined boundaries or constraints
- specificationsStated requirements and parameters
- requirementsNecessary conditions for something
- guidelinesSuggested rules for behavior
boundaries · tolerances · frameworks · budgets · deadlines · scope · trade-offs · optimization · feasibility · criteria
constrainsfrees
Removes from captivity
liberates · releases · unshackles · emancipates · unbinds
constrainsenables
Makes something possible
encourages · facilitates · empowers · allows · permits
- 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, constrain, constrained, unconstrained, constraints, constraining