Narrowed: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe reducing the width or the extent of something, often in a physical or metaphorical way.

• The river narrowed at the bend, creating a natural bottleneck.
• She narrowed her focus to just one area of study.

Used to indicate that access or freedom has been constrained, often due to rules or regulations.

• Access to the building is restricted to authorized personnel.
• The restricted area is off-limits for visitors.

Commonly used to describe a finite amount or scope, often implying insufficient or less than desired.

• Resources are limited, so we need to use them wisely.
• The company has limited liability.

Often used in medical or physical contexts to describe something that is tightly compressed or restricted in movement.

• The snake's tight coils constricted its prey.
• Constricted blood vessels can lead to higher blood pressure.

Used to describe something that has become less wide or more limited in scope. Common in situations where space, choices, or focus have decreased.

• The river narrowed as we moved upstream.
• The detective narrowed down the list of suspects.

General term meaning to make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. Widely applicable in many contexts.

• We need to reduce our expenses.
• The chef reduced the sauce by half.

Implies a tight or binding restriction, often in a physical sense but can also be applied metaphorically. Sometimes has a negative connotation.

• The snake constricted its prey.
• Fear can constrict the heart and mind.

Often used to describe something becoming smaller, especially in size or importance. Can have both physical and metaphorical uses.

• The sweater shrank in the wash.
• His influence in the company has shrunk over the years.