CONSTRAIN

constrain. Constrain, v.t. to compel, force, confine, press

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Con‐strain″ (?), 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.]] 1. 1. To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold tightly; to constringe.
He binds in chains The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains. Dryden. When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold. Dryden. 2. 2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain. Gay. 3. 3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.
My sire in caves constrains the winds. Dryden. 4. 4. To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige.
The love of Christ constraineth us. 2. Cor. v. 14. I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar. Acts xxviii. 19. 5. 5. To violate; to ravish. Shak.
6. 6. To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effect; as, a constrained voice.
Syn. — To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press.