constraint

noun

con·​straint kən-ˈstrānt 

1

a

: the act of constraining

b

: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action

… the constraint and monotony of a monastic life …

—Matthew Arnold

a life of invalidism and constraint

c

: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check

put legal constraints on the board's activities

Budget constraints have forced me to revise my travel plans.

2

a

: repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions

emotional constraint

b

: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment

" … a constraint between us as if we were strangers … "

—John P. Marquand

Synonyms

• continence
• discipline
• discretion
• inhibition
• refrainment
• repression
• reserve
• restraint
• self-command
• self-control
• self-restraint
• suppression

Examples of constraint in a Sentence

Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.

They demand freedom from constraint.

They refuse to work under constraint any longer.

Recent Examples on the Web

The company declined to confirm whether West would receive royalties from the sales, given the constraints of certain contractual obligations. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2024

Open dialogues about workflow inefficiencies, resource constraints and communication breakdowns can illuminate areas needing attention. —Dave Silberman, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Garcia Márquez himself reportedly thought it could not be made into a movie, given the time constraints of even a very long feature. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2024

The operation will face legal challenges and logistical constraints. —Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French constrainte, from constraindre — see constrain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

constraint

noun

con·​straint kən-ˈstrānt 

1

: the act of constraining : the state of being constrained

2

: something that constrains : check

3

: a holding back of one's feelings, actions, or behavior