American Dictionary of the English Language

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CONSTRAIN, verb transitive [Latin , to strain, to bind. See Strain.] In a general sense, to strain; to press; to urge; to drive; to exert force, physical or moral, either in urging to action or in restraining it. Hence,


The spirit within me constraineth me. Job 32:18.

I was constrained to appeal to Caesar. Acts 28:19.

For the love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Corinthians 5:14.

2. To confine by fore; to restrain from escape or action; to repress.

My sire in caves constrains the winds.

3. To hold by force; to press; to confine.

How the strait stays the slender waist constrain

4. To constringe; to bind.

When winter frosts constrain the field with cold.

5. To tie fast; to bind; to chain; to confine.

He binds in chains the drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.

6. To necessitate.

Did fate or we the adulterous act constrain?

7. To force; to ravish. [Not used.]

8. To produce in opposition to nature; as a constrained voice; constrained notes.