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constrain

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constrain


  2  definitions  found 
 
  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]: 
 
  constrain 
  v  1:  hold  back  [syn:  {restrain},  {encumber},  {cumber}] 
  2:  restrict;  "Tighten  the  rules";  "stiffen  the  regulations" 
  [syn:  {stiffen},  {tighten},  {tighten  up}] 




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