Con-strāin', v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. CONSTRAINED; p. pr. & vb. n. CONSTRAINING.] [O. Fr. constràindre, N. Fr. contraindre, It. constrìgnere, constringere, costringere, O. Sp. constringere, N. Sp. constrenir, Pg. constringir, Pr. costreigner, contraigner, from Lat. constringere, from con and stringere, to draw tight, to strain.]
Sense 1. To secure by bonds; to chain; to confine.
He binds in chains The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains. Dryden.
Sense 2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress; to constrict.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain. Gay.
Sense 3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.
My sire in caves constrains the winds. Dryden.
Sense 4. To urge with irresistible power; to compel; to force; to necessitate.
Who constrains me to the temple of Dagon. Milton.
Synonyms—To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press.