The meaning of CONSTRAIN is to force by imposed stricture, restriction, or limitation. How to use constrain in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Constrain.

CONSTRAINED definition: 1. forced to do something against your will: 2. Constrained behaviour is forced and unnatural: 3…. Learn more.

Constrained definition: forced, compelled, or obliged.. See examples of CONSTRAINED used in a sentence.

To produce in a forced or inhibited manner: "This smile seemed to touch something off in her ... and playfully she constrained her own roguish smile" (Naeem Murr).

Something that's constrained is forced, unnatural and not very spontaneous — kind of like a linebacker trying to perform the ballet Swan Lake. Constrained contains the word strained for a …

Definition of constrain verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Definition of 'constrained' constrained in British English (kənˈstreɪnd ) adjective embarrassed, unnatural, or forced

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 con•strained (kən strānd′), adj. forced, compelled, or obliged: a constrained confession. stiff or unnatural; …

We were constrained [= limited] by the short amount of time we had. Teenagers often feel constrained [= limited] by rules. She felt constrained [= (more commonly) felt compelled] to …

Synonyms for CONSTRAINED: restrained, inhibited, repressed, disciplined, orderly, controllable, curbed, manageable; Antonyms of CONSTRAINED: intractable, contrary, refractory, …