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Constraining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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constraining

[kษ™nหˆstreษชnษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

limiting

Forcing someone to follow a particular course of action, often by creating restrictions or limitations.

Synonyms

limiting, restraining, restricting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constraining

Used in situations where actions, emotions, or processes are held back or limited by external or internal factors.

  • The rules are constraining our ability to innovate.
  • Fear of failure can be very constraining.
restricting

Similar to limiting but often implies more formal or authoritative control over movement or actions.

  • New regulations are restricting access to the area.
  • The diet is about restricting certain foods.
limiting

Used to indicate a reduction in options or space; making something smaller or less in terms of quantity, degree, or scope.

  • Time limitations are affecting our project.
  • The new policy is limiting our choices.
restraining

Often used to describe holding back someone or something from taking a certain action; can also have physical implications.

  • The teacher had to restrain the students from fighting.
  • Financial difficulties are restraining our growth.

Examples of usage

  • He felt constrained to accept the job offer, even though it wasn't his first choice.
  • The strict rules were constraining their creativity.
  • Constraining people's freedom is never a good idea.
Context #2 | Adjective

restrictive

Causing someone to feel restricted or limited in their actions or choices.

Synonyms

limiting, restraining, restrictive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constraining

Used when something is forcing or heavily influencing limitations.

  • The constraining regulations made it difficult for small businesses to thrive.
  • His injuries were constraining his ability to play sports.
restrictive

Typically used to describe something that is putting severe limitations on freedom or behavior, often with a slightly negative connotation.

  • The new policy is highly restrictive and unpopular among employees.
  • The restrictive diet left him feeling constantly hungry.
limiting

Used when referring to something that sets boundaries or reduces options or possibilities.

  • The low budget was limiting our travel plans.
  • His job was limiting his time with family.
restraining

Used when referring to holding something back, often having a controlled or suppressive implication.

  • The security guards were restraining the angry crowd.
  • Her inhibitions were restraining her from expressing herself fully.

Examples of usage

  • The constraining regulations made it difficult for small businesses to thrive.
  • She found the constraining environment stifling.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Constraining emotions can lead to increased stress as people may feel trapped or unable to express themselves.
  • Cognitive constraints can affect decision-making, as the limits placed on options can hinder creativity and innovation.

Law

  • In legal contexts, constraining refers to restrictions placed on freedoms, such as curfews or zoning laws.
  • Various legal measures are often constructed to actively constrain practices deemed harmful or unfair.

Social Dynamics

  • Cultural norms can be constraining, affecting how individuals behave in social situations without them even realizing it.
  • Some relationships can be constraining; they may keep people from exploring their own interests or pursuing personal goals.

Science

  • In physics, constraining forces are essential for maintaining the stability of structures, affecting how they bear loads.
  • Biological systems can be constrained by environmental factors, influencing speciesโ€™ adaptations and behaviors.

Origin of 'constraining'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'constringere', which means to tie or bind together.
  • First used in English during the 14th century, it described physical limitations before evolving to include abstract ideas.

The word 'constraining' originated from the verb 'constrain', which comes from the Latin word 'constringere', meaning 'to compress' or 'to bind tightly'. The concept of constraining has been present throughout history in the form of rules, regulations, and restrictions imposed by various authorities.

See also: constrain, constrained, constrainedly, constrainer, constraint, unconstrained.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,967, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.