Constraint — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kən-ˈstrānt/ con·straint

Meaning & Definition of Constraint

Constraint (noun)

  1. the act of constraining
  2. the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action
  3. a constraining condition, agency, or force, check

Constraint (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

    "in civilized society people do not just say or do whatever they feel like—they exercise some constraint"

    similar: continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression
    related: command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity
    opposite: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint
    near: self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance

  2. something that limits one's freedom of action or choice

    "put legal constraints on the board's activities"

    similar: check, circumscription, condition, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, restriction, stricture
    related: exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings, ban, prohibition, proscription
    near: freedom, latitude

  3. the use of power to impose one's will on another

    "parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents"

    similar: arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, duress, force, pressure
    related: browbeating, bulldozing, bullying, fear, intimidation, menace, sword, terror, terrorism, threat, violence, squeeze, squeeze play, might, muscle, potency, puissance, strength, hardheadedness, self-will, willfulness, strain, stress
    near: agreement, approval, consent, permission, convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Constraint

The most common words with a similar meaning to Constraint:

continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression, check, circumscription, condition, curb, fetter, limitation, restriction, stricture, arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, duress, force, pressure

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Constraint

Words with the opposite meaning of Constraint:

disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Related Words for Constraint

command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity, exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings

Near Antonyms of Constraint

self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance, freedom, latitude, agreement, approval, consent, permission, convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion

Origin & Etymology of Constraint

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

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Constraint

Frequently Asked Questions about Constraint

What does "Constraint" mean?

"Constraint" means the act of constraining. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of constraining. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Constraint"?

Other words for "Constraint" include continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve and restraint. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Constraint" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Constraint"?

There are 82 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Constraint". Common alternatives include continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command and self-control.

What is the opposite of "Constraint"?

Antonyms of "Constraint" include disinhibition, incontinence and unconstraint. Near antonyms include self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness and gratification.

How do you use "Constraint" in a sentence?

Examples of "Constraint" in a sentence: "in civilized society people do not just say or do whatever they feel like—they exercise some constraint"; "put legal constraints on the board's activities"; "parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents".

Is "Constraint" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Constraint" is a noun.

Is "Constraint" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Constraint" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Constraint"?

"Constraint" is pronounced /kən-ˈstrānt/ and divided into syllables as con·straint.