Definitions for: Constraint


[n] the act of constraining
[n] a device that stops something from moving; "the car did not have proper restraints fitted"
[n] the state of being physically constrained; "dogs should be kept under restraint"



Webster (1913) Definition: Con*straint", n. [OF. constrainte, F. constrainte.]
The act of constraining, or the state of being constrained;
that which compels to, or restrains from, action; compulsion;
restraint; necessity.

Long imprisonment and hard constraint. --Spenser.

Not by constraint, but by my choice, I came. --Dryden.

Syn: Compulsion; violence; necessity; urgency.

Usage: Constraint, Compulsion. Constraint implies strong
binding force; as, the constraint of necessity; the
constraint of fear. Compulsion implies the exertion of
some urgent impelling force; as, driven by compulsion.
The former prevents us from acting agreeably to our
wishes; the latter forces us to act contrary to our
will. Compulsion is always produced by some active
agent; a constraint may be laid upon us by the forms
of civil society, or by other outward circumstances.
--Crabb.

Synonyms: restraint, restraint

See Also: air bag, airbrake, arrester, arrester hook, band, bond, brake, brake pads, brake shoe, cage, catch, chain, confinement, device, dive brake, drogue, fastener, fastening, fixing, gag, hamper, holdfast, ignition lock, lead, leash, life belt, lock, muzzle, restriction, safety belt, safety harness, sea anchor, shackle, shoe, stop, swaddling clothes, tether, trammel, trammels

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