constraint Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of being physically constrained
    restraint.
    • dogs should be kept under restraint
  2. noun a device that retards something's motion
    restraint.
    • the car did not have proper restraints fitted
  3. noun the act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others

WordNet

Con*straint" noun
Etymology
OF. constrainte, F. constrainte.
Definitions
  1. 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 b my choice, I came. Dryden.
    Syn. -- Compulsion; violence; necessity; urgency. -- 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.

Webster 1913