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

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

And it is only allowed to be given under the supervision of specialist weight loss programmes, access to which is like many NHS services constrained.

From BBC

But she realizes her influence is geographically constrained.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• strained