Constrain Meaning
/kənˈstɹeɪn/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo force physically, by strong persuasion or pressuring; to compel; to oblige.
verbTo keep within close bounds; to confine.
Sentence Examples
Changes in water availability, both episodic and long-lasting, will constrain different forms of energy production.
What human trespass would constrain thy power, O Zeus?
CEFR Practice Quiz
Strict budget rules will ____ the amount we can spend on supplies.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Changes in water availability, both episodic and long-lasting, will ____ different forms of energy production.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ḱe? Proto-Indo-European *ḱóm Proto-Italic *kom Proto-Italic *kom- Latin cōn- Proto-Indo-European *strengʰ-der. Proto-Indo-European *streyg-der. Latin stringō Latin cōnstringōder. Old French constreindrebor. Middle English constreinen English constrain From Middle English constreinen, from Old French constreindre, from Latin cōnstringō, from cōn- (“with, together”) + stringō (“to draw, bind or tie tight”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *streyg- (“to stroke, to shear, stiff”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But it's not just Castlefield Corridor capacity that constrains services. All the junctions on the lines feeding into the corridor are flat, so they create conflict points as trains pass."
— 2020 January 2, Philip Haigh, “Is there relief to congestion along Castlefield Corridor?”, in Rail, page 23:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Strict budget rules will ____ the amount we can spend on supplies.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Changes in water availability, both episodic and long-lasting, will ____ different forms of energy production.