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Constricting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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constricting

[kษ™nหˆstrษชktษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Making you feel that you cannot move freely; restricting or limiting.

Synonyms

limiting, narrowing, restrictive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constricting

Use this word when talking about something that makes you feel tight or uncomfortable, often physically.

  • The tight shoes were constricting my feet
  • The snake's coils were constricting around its prey
restrictive

Use this word when discussing rules, laws, or policies that create limits on what people can do.

  • The new law is very restrictive for small businesses
  • These regulations are too restrictive for creative projects
limiting

Use this word when talking about something that reduces the potential or freedom of action, often mentally or professionally.

  • A lack of education can be very limiting for job opportunities
  • Her fear of flying was limiting her travel plans
narrowing

Use this word when talking about decreasing a range or scope, can be physical or abstract.

  • The narrowing path made it difficult to walk side by side
  • The debate is narrowing the choices we have

Examples of usage

  • It was hard to breathe in the constricting grip of fear.
  • Her constricting dress was making it difficult for her to dance.
  • The constricting rules of the organization were suffocating her creativity.
Context #2 | Verb

snake

To make something narrower or tighter by squeezing or pressing.

Synonyms

compress, squeeze, tighten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constricting

This word suggests a reduction in size or volume by something wrapping around tightly. Often used in medical or biological contexts.

  • The snake's constricting grip around its prey was deadly.
  • The constricting feeling in her chest made it hard to breathe.
squeeze

This word implies applying pressure from different sides to extract something or fit into a small space, usually in everyday or casual situations.

  • She squeezed the toothpaste out of the tube.
  • He managed to squeeze into the tight parking spot.
compress

This word is used when talking about applying pressure to reduce volume or space, often in a mechanical or technical context.

  • You need to compress the files before sending them via email.
  • The trash was compressed to save space.
tighten

This word means making something more secure or firm, commonly used with bolts, screws, and rules.

  • You need to tighten the screws on the chair.
  • The government decided to tighten the regulations.

Examples of usage

  • The python constricted its prey before swallowing it whole.
  • He constricted his hand around the handle of the sword.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Muscles in the body can constrict blood vessels, which regulates blood flow and pressure.
  • Constricting materials, like rubber bands, react to tension and can change shape based on applied pressure.
  • Certain animals, such as snakes, use constriction to capture prey, wrapping around them tightly to prevent escape.

Psychological Implications

  • Feelings of constriction can manifest as anxiety, where a person feels mentally or emotionally restricted.
  • In cognitive behavioral therapy, recognizing constrictive thoughts can help individuals learn to manage their feelings of stress.
  • Constricting thoughts may lead to a sense of hopelessness, often requiring intervention for clearer perspectives.

Literature

  • Authors often use 'constricting' imagery to describe characters in peril or emotional distress.
  • In poetry, the sensation of constriction can symbolize the struggle for freedom or personal growth.
  • Notable writers such as Kafka depicted constricting societal norms that trap individuals in a cycle of despair.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters sometimes wear constricting outfits to highlight their struggles, such as in superhero genres.
  • Popular songs often explore the theme of feeling constricted by love or societal expectations, resonating with many listeners.
  • The concept of constriction is explored in animation through characters who feel trapped in their environments, signifying broader themes of freedom.

Origin of 'constricting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'constringere', which means 'to bind together'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe tightening or squeezing actions.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'together' and 'strict' relates to binding, giving a literal sense of drawing together.

The word 'constricting' originated from the verb 'constrict', which comes from the Latin word 'constringere', meaning 'to draw together, to bind'. The concept of something constricting has been used throughout history to describe the feeling of being restricted or limited in movement or action. Over time, it has evolved to encompass both physical and metaphorical aspects of restriction.

See also: constricted, constriction, constrictor.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,646, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.