constrict
Make narrower forcefully
Constrict means to make narrower or tighter, usually by squeezing or compressing.
Blood vessels constrict in cold temperatures.
A boa constrictor kills by constricting its prey until it suffocates.
The word extends to anything that limits or restricts: Budget cuts constricted the program's scope.
A constricted throat may come from fear or emotion.
Decrease in size
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- taperNarrow gradually toward point
- narrowOf small width
- reduceMake smaller in degree
tight · taut · tauten · tense · stiffen · draw · stenosis · bottleneck
Reduce volume by force
- tightenMake more secure
- clenchSqueeze tightly shut
- gripSecure manual hold
- claspSecuring device that clicks
grasp · squeeze · wring · pinch · clamp · cinch · embrace · hug
Maximum allowed extent
- confineRestrict to boundaries
- restrainLimit freedom of movement
- inhibitTo restrain or hinder
- curtailTo cut short
hamper · hinder · impede · obstruct · stifle · repress · throttle · choke
Constrict the throat
- chokeObstruct breathing or airflow
- smotherDeprive of air
- asphyxiateKill by blocking air
- suffocateKill by blocking air
garrote · strangulate · airway · windpipe · throat · breathless · gasping
shrink
Decrease in size
reduce · tight · taut · tauten · tense · stiffen · draw · stenosis · bottleneck · funnel
compress
Reduce volume by force
clasp · grasp · squeeze · wring · pinch · clamp · cinch · embrace · hug · encircle
limit
Maximum allowed extent
curtail · hamper · hinder · impede · obstruct · stifle · repress · throttle · choke · regulate
strangle
Constrict the throat
- chokeObstruct breathing or airflow
- smotherDeprive of air
- asphyxiateKill by blocking air
suffocate · garrote · strangulate · airway · windpipe · throat · breathless · gasping
- obstructblock, halt, stop, impede, hinder
- size changesenlarge, enlargement, expand, expansion, shrink
- tighteningtensing, clamping, cinching, tensioning, grip
- reptileslizard, snake, turtle, crocodile, alligator
- intensity changesincrease, decrease, intensify, amplify, diminish
- snake movementsslithering, slither, coil, coiling, sidewinding
constrictdecompress
Release stored pressure
depressurize · relieve · disperse · dissipate · scatter
- boa constrictorSnake that crushes prey
constriction, constricted, constrictor, constricting, constricts, constrictive, constrictors, unconstricted