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Constrict Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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constrict

[kษ™nหˆstrษชkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to limit

Constrict means to make narrower, to tighten, or to restrict. It can refer to physically tightening something, such as a muscle or a rope, or to metaphorically limiting something, such as freedom or options.

Synonyms

limit, restrict, tighten.

Examples of usage

  • He constricted his grip on the steering wheel as he navigated the sharp turn.
  • The company's budget cuts have constricted our ability to innovate.
  • The snake constricted its prey, squeezing the life out of it.
Context #2 | Verb

to cause discomfort

Constrict can also mean to cause discomfort or a sensation of tightness. It is often used to describe a feeling of being suffocated or constricted, such as in a tight space or due to anxiety.

Synonyms

constrain, squeeze, suffocate.

Examples of usage

  • The tight collar constricted his breathing.
  • She felt constricted by the crowded room and needed to step outside for fresh air.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In anatomy, muscles contract to constrict blood vessels, limiting the flow of blood.
  • Certain animals, like pythons, constrict their prey by wrapping around them and squeezing tightly.
  • Air passages in the lungs can constrict during asthma attacks, making it difficult to breathe.

Psychology

  • Emotional constriction can occur when individuals experience stress, leading to a sense of tightness or restriction in expression.
  • In therapy, learning to recognize and address feelings of constriction can help improve emotional well-being.
  • During extreme anxiety, people often feel physically constricted, which can include tightness in the chest.

Pop Culture

  • In films, constrictors are often portrayed as villains, symbolizing danger and the idea of being trapped.
  • The famous book 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' shows a caterpillar that constricts its body as it eats leaves, a fun visual of the term.
  • In video games, some creatures use constriction as their main attack strategy, wrapping around players to immobilize them.

Literature

  • Constricting imagery often appears in poetry, symbolizing oppression or limitation.
  • Authors use the concept in metaphors to describe emotional states, illustrating feelings of suffocation or restriction.
  • Classic novels often feature themes of constriction in character development, reflecting societal or personal constraints.

Origin of 'constrict'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'constrictus', meaning 'to bind together or to tighten'.
  • It is composed of 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'stringere' meaning 'to bind'.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century.

The word 'constrict' comes from the Latin word 'constrictus', past participle of 'constringere', which means 'to draw together, to bind tightly'. The term has been used in the English language since the 15th century, evolving from its Latin roots to its current meaning of tightening or restricting.

See also: strict, strictly, strictness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,666, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.