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more about constrained
constrained |
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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