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more about constrain
constrain |
2 definitions found 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]: constrain v 1: hold back [syn: {restrain}, {encumber}, {cumber}] 2: restrict; "Tighten the rules"; "stiffen the regulations" [syn: {stiffen}, {tighten}, {tighten up}]
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