constrain

Advancedzipf 2.82

Pronunciation

/kənˈstreɪn/(kun-STRAYN)

Part of speech

verbformal

Chinese

限制；约束；束缚

Definition

To restrict or limit the range of action or behavior.

Word family

  • constraint/kənˈstreɪnt/(n)限制/约束
  • constrained/kənˈstreɪnd/(adj)受限的
  • unconstrained/ˌʌnkənˈstreɪnd/(adj)无拘束的

Collocations

  • budget constraints
  • time-constrained
  • constrain options
  • constrain growth

Examples

  1. 1.Budget constraints forced us to cancel the project. (noun: limitations)
  2. 2.She felt constrained by the rigid company policies. (restricted)

Synonyms

  • restrict/rɪˈstrɪkt/— limit access or freedom
  • limit/ˈlɪmɪt/— set a boundary, simpler
  • restrain/rɪˈstreɪn/— hold back, often physical or emotional

Etymology

con- (together) + stringere (to bind tight) — to bind tightly within limits