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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.
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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.
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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.
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Constrained \Con*strained"\, a.
Marked by constraint; not free; not voluntary; embarrassed;
as, a constrained manner; a constrained tone.
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