Constrained: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone or something is forced or obliged to follow a certain course of action, often due to limitations or external pressures.

• She felt constrained by the strict rules of the organization

Used to describe something that is controlled or limited in access or movement, often by rules or regulations. Can have a negative connotation if it implies undue limitation.

• Access to the building is restricted to authorized personnel only

Refers to something that has clear boundaries or restrictions in quantity, extent, or capability.

• Their resources are limited, so they need to use them wisely

Often used to describe something that is tied or secured, or someone who is obliged to do something by law, duty, or contract.

• He is bound by his promise to finish the project on time

Indicates controlled or held back behavior, emotions, or actions, often to avoid excessiveness or to maintain decorum.

• He spoke in a restrained manner despite his anger

Used to define placing specific limitations or prohibitions on actions, behaviors, or movements. Often used in rules, regulations, or specific controls.

• The new law aims to restrict access to certain harmful websites.
• His diet restricted his intake of sugar and fat.

Used to describe holding back or keeping under control, usually in a physical or emotional sense. Often has a sense of preventing someone or something from acting freely.

• She had to restrain herself from laughing during the serious meeting.
• The police restrained the suspect with handcuffs.

Used to express setting a maximum, a boundary or an endpoint that should not be exceeded. This word can be employed in a wide range of situations, from physical to abstract concepts.

• They introduced measures to limit pollution.
• Please limit your comments to three minutes.

Used when referring to keeping someone or something within boundaries. It often implies a physical boundary or space, and can suggest a sense of imprisonment or limitation with more negative connotations.

• The patient was confined to bed rest following surgery.
• He was confined within the four walls of the prison for years.