GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Constrain , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Constrained ; p. pr. & vb. n. Constraining.] [OF. constraindre, F. contrainde, L. constringere; con- + stringere to draw tight. See Strain, and. cf. Constrict, Constringe.]
   To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold tightly; to constringe.
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   He binds in chains
   The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.
   Dryden.
   
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   When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold.
   Dryden.
   
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   To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.
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   How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
   Gay.
   
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   To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.
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   My sire in caves constrains the winds.
   Dryden.
   
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   To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige.
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   The love of Christ constraineth us.
   2. Cor. v. 14.
   
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   I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar.
   Acts xxviii. 19.
   
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   To violate; to ravish. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
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   To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effect; as, a constrained voice.
   Syn. -- To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press.
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