straiten

[ streyt-n ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put into difficulties, especially financial ones:

   His obligations had straitened him.

2. to restrict in range, extent, amount, pecuniary means, etc:

   Poverty straitens one's way of living.

3. Archaic.
   1. to make narrow.
   2. to confine within narrow limits.

straiten

/ ˈstreɪtən /

verb

1. tr; usually passive to embarrass or distress, esp financially
2. tr to limit, confine, or restrict
3. archaic.
   to make or become narrow

Word History and Origins

Origin of straiten¹

First recorded in 1515–25; strait + -en ¹

Example Sentences

At the same time, with the country’s straitened economy, parties are reluctant to be seen to be making unfunded spending commitments on anything, including green initiatives.

From BBC

It makes sense that the industry should want to express its gratitude for shows that have managed — particularly in these straitened times — to pull in audiences from outside the usual theatergoing demographic.

From New York Times

Fresh starts and reinvention have been a lure since the first gold seekers — the ones digging actual nuggets — flocked here from the more straitened and class-conscious East Coast.

From Los Angeles Times

The party’s straitened circumstances led to Iowa’s serendipitous place at the head of the political calendar.

From Los Angeles Times

Being an artistic director is an all-consuming responsibility, even more so in these straitened times.

From Los Angeles Times