3 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Constrained \Con*strained"\, a.
Marked by constraint; not free not voluntary; embarrassed;
as a constrained manner; a constrained tone.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Constrain \Con*strain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Constrained}; p.
pr & vb n. {Constraining}.] [OF. constraindre F.
contrainde L. constringere con- + stringere to draw tight.
See {Strain}, and cf {Constrict}, {Constringe}.]
1. To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold
tightly; to constringe.
He binds in chains The drowsy prophet, and his limbs
constrains. --Dryden.
When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold.
--Dryden.
2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
--Gay.
3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.
My sire in caves constrains the winds. --Dryden.
4. To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige.
The love of Christ constraineth us --2. Cor. v.
14.
I was constrained to appeal unto C[ae]sar. --Acts
xxviii. 19.
5. To violate; to ravish. [Obs.] --Shak.
6. To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural
effect; as a constrained voice.
Syn: To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
constrained
adj 1: being under moral or legal obligation; "felt bound by his
promise" [syn: {bound}, {compelled(p)}, {constrained(p)},
{obligate}]
2: lacking spontaneity; not natural; "a constrained smile";
"forced heartiness"; "a strained smile" [syn: {forced}, {strained}]
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