constrain etymology

Etymology

  • Origin: Latin constringere, meaning "to draw together, bind"
  • Root: com- (together) + stringere (to bind)

Meaning

  • To limit or restrict something within specific bounds or limits
  • To confine or hold back

Origin

The word "constrain" has been used in English since the 14th century. It is derived from the Latin verb constringere, which means "to draw together, bind, or tighten." The prefix com- (with, together) indicates that the action of binding is done in combination with something else. The root stringere (to bind) is also found in other English words such as "string," "strain," and "strict."

Over time, the meaning of "constrain" has expanded to include the concept of limiting or restricting something. This extended meaning can be attributed to the fact that binding or tightening often results in a limitation or restriction of movement or freedom.

constrain relate terms

  • strain

    Etymology Old French estreindre Latin stringere Proto Indo European strenk

  • strainer

    Etymology The word strainer originates from the Old French word estraignoir which m

  • constrict

    Etymology Middle English constreyne constreynen from Old French constraindre from

  • constriction

    Etymology Con Latin together Stringere Latin to draw tight or bind Meaning Con

  • constrain

    Etymology Origin Latin constringere meaning to draw together bind Root com toget

  • enforce

    Enforce Etymology Middle English enforcen from Old French enforcer from en in

  • impose

    Etymology Latin imponere to put upon Im on ponere to put Meaning To plac

  • force

    Etymology The word force originates from the Latin word fortis which means strong

  • distress

    Etymology Old French destresse Late Latin districtius comparative of districtus mea

  • coerce

    Etymology Middle English from Latin coercere from co together arcere to drive

  • cache

    Etymology The word cache comes from the French word cacher which means to hide

  • bridle

    Etymology Middle English bridel from Old English brīdel Proto Germanic bridilōn

  • clog

    Etymology The word clog originates from the Middle English word clegge which means

  • trammel

    Etymology The word trammel comes from the Middle French word tramail which in turn c