constrict

UK: /kənˈstrɪkt/ US: /kənˈstrɪkt/ ,(kən strikt′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

con•strict /kənˈstrɪkt/   v. 

1. to (cause to) be tight, narrower, or smaller;
   compress: [no object]
   The blood vessels constricted immediately.
   [~ + object]
   This medicine will constrict the blood vessels.
2. [~ + object]
   • to limit or restrain (the actions of) someone:
     The new constitution constricts the powers of the chairman.
   • to limit or restrain the actions or powers of (someone):
     The regulations constrict the chairman in his duties.

con•stric•tive, adj. See -strict-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

con•strict  (kən strikt′), v.t. 

1. to draw or press in;
   cause to contract or shrink;
   compress.
2. to slow or stop the natural course or development of:
   Greed and aggressiveness constricted the nation's cultural life.

• Latin constrīctus (past participle of constringere to draw together, tie up), equivalent. to con- con- + strīc- (variant stem of stringere to tie; see strict) + -tus past participle suffix
• 1375–1425 for earlier past participle sense; 1725–35 for current senses; late Middle English

Synonyms

• 1. cramp, squeeze, bind, tighten.

Antonyms

• 1. expand.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

constrict / kənˈstrɪkt/ verb (transitive)

1. to make smaller or narrower, esp by contracting at one place
2. to hold in or inhibit; limit

Etymology: 18th Century: from Latin constrictus compressed, from constringere to tie up together; see constrain