Constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice. Constrain (kənˈstreɪn) vb (tr) 1. Definition of constrain verb in oxford advanced learner's dictionary.
To constrain someone or something means to limit their development or force them to behave in a particular way. We are constrained by a lack of funding. See examples of constrain used in a sentence.
Jan 20, 2026constrain (third-person singular simple present constrains, present participle constraining, simple past and past participle constrained) (transitive) to force physically, by strong persuasion or. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels. Constrain meaning, definition, what is constrain: