Constraining

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.


        [1913 Webster]
  
              He binds in chains
              The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.
                                                    --Dryden.
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              When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold.
                                                    --Dryden.
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     2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.
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              How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
                                                    --Gay.
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     3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.
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              My sire in caves constrains the winds. --Dryden.
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     4. To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The love of Christ constraineth us.   --2. Cor. v.
                                                    14.
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              I was constrained to appeal unto C[ae]sar. --Acts
                                                    xxviii. 19.
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     5. To violate; to ravish. [Obs.] --Shak.
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     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.
          [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  constraining
       adj : restricting the scope or freedom of action [syn: {confining},
              {constrictive}, {limiting}, {restricting}]