constrained

[ kuhn-streynd ]

adjective

1. forced, compelled, or obliged:

   a constrained confession.

2. stiff or unnatural; uneasy or embarrassed:

   a constrained manner.

constrained

/ kənˈstreɪnɪdlɪ; kənˈstreɪnd /

adjective

1. embarrassed, unnatural, or forced

   a constrained smile

Derived Forms

• constrainedly, adverb

Other Words From

• con·strain·ed·ly [k, uh, n-, strey, -nid-lee], adverb
• uncon·strained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constrained¹

First recorded in 1565–75; constrain + -ed ²

Example Sentences

These systems are not constrained by ambient humidity but come with a separate set of challenges they hope to solve with further research.

From Science Daily

If the force of Wise’s version was constrained by the technology, it provided the blueprint for a plethora of face-melting heavy metal covers.

From New York Times

Over the course of the first quarter of this century, the American presidency has accumulated ever more power, rendering the office increasingly less constrained by either Congress or the courts.

From Salon

The debt rule constrained, they argue, some necessary investment and did not prevent poor quality investment in failing projects.

From BBC

In the end, Iran’s 180 ballistic missiles were fired mainly at Israeli military sites and other security installations, not civilian targets — the attack apparently constrained to avoid provoking a devastating Israeli reprisal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• strained