constrain

Synonyms

restrain inhibit impel compel drive counteract check constrain force confine intimidate

Antonyms

permit persuade urge instigate encourage liberate induce seduce tempt

Con*strain", v. t. [imp. & p.p. Constrained; p.pr. & vb.n. Constraining.] Etym: [OF. constraindre, F. contrainde, L. constringere; con- + stringere to draw tight. See Strain, and. cf. Constrict, Conbstringere.] 1. To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or con He binds in hains The droway prophet, and his limbs constrains. Dryden. When winter frosts constrain the fields with old. 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 necessiate; to oblige. The love of Christ constraineth us. 2. Cor. v. 14. I was constrained to appeal unto CActs xxviii. 19. 5. To violate; to ravish. [Obs.] Shak. 6. To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effet; as, a constrained voice. Syn. -- To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press.

constrain - Similar Words

constraint constrainer constrained contain unconstraint constringe unstrain constant conistra unconstrained