C1verbformalbusinesssociety
US/kənˈstreɪn/
UK/kənˈstreɪn/
to limit what someone or something can do or how much can happen
In context
A small budget can constrain how much a school is able to offer.
Strict rules constrained the way journalists could report the story.
She felt constrained by the traditions of her family.
Words that go with constrain
verb + noun
- constrain growthHigh costs may constrain growth next year.
- constrain developmentHigh costs constrain the development of small firms.
- constrain freedomThe new law constrains citizens' freedom to travel.
verb + preposition
- be constrained byThe project was constrained by lack of time.
adverb + adjective
- severely constrainedHer options were severely constrained.
adverb + verb
- tightly constrainRegulations tightly constrain what banks can do.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The law constrains to travel.Correct: The law constrains people from traveling freely.