constrict

American  

[kuhn-strikt] / kənˈstrɪkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or press in; cause to contract or shrink; compress.

   Synonyms:

   tighten, bind, squeeze, cramp

   Antonyms:

   expand

2. to slow or stop the natural course or development of.

   Greed and aggressiveness constricted the nation's cultural life.

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constrict British  

/ kənˈstrɪkt /

verb

1. to make smaller or narrower, esp by contracting at one place

2. to hold in or inhibit; limit

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Other Word Forms

• nonconstricted adjective
• nonconstricting adjective
• unconstricted adjective
• well-constricted adjective

Etymology

Origin of constrict

1375–1425 for earlier past participle sense; 1725–35 for current senses; late Middle English < Latin constrīctus (past participle of constringere to draw together, tie up), equivalent to con- con- + strīc- (variant stem of stringere to tie; strict ) + -tus past participle suffix

Explanation

To constrict is to squeeze uncomfortably. If your new turtleneck sweater constricts your neck, the sweater is probably too small. When things constrict, they become narrow or make something else become narrow. A boa constrictor kills its prey when it constricts the animal's body until it can no longer breathe, and a necktie that's tied too tightly constricts your neck. In medicine, certain conditions or medications can constrict openings such as airways or blood vessels, sometimes dangerously. The Latin root is constringere, "to bind together or tie tightly."

Example Sentences

The issue facing Russia and Iran now is how the Middle East war will constrict supplies of the materials they need to produce drones and wage their respective wars.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

In contrast, exposure to bright light allows the pupil to constrict in response to brightness rather than focusing distance, helping maintain healthier retinal stimulation.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

The rapid timetable is designed to constrict the amount of time the two parties have to build a campaigning infrastructure in the constituency.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

“If you bring the caps down, you’re going to constrict credit,” Bank of America Chief Executive Brian Moynihan said Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

I looked at the doll and felt my throat constrict.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Related Words

• circumscribe
• compress
• cramp