constrain, v.
(constrained, constraining, constrains)
(constrained, constraining, constrains)
severely restrict in scope or extent
<verb.change> freq. cnt.: 2 freq. cnt.: 1 freq. cnt.: 1
constrain stiffen tighten tighten up
sample sentences
"tighten the rules""stiffen the regulations"
verb frames
Somebody ----s somethingverb frames
Somebody ----s somethingverb frames
Somebody ----s somethingverb frames
Somebody ----s something
semantic pointers
hypernym
to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement
<verb.contact> freq. cnt.: 18 freq. cnt.: 17 freq. cnt.: 1
confine constrain hold restrain
sample sentences
"This holds the local until the express passengers change trains""About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade"
"The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center"
"The terrorists held the journalists for ransom"
verb frames
Somebody ----s somethingSomebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something
verb frames
Somebody ----s somethingSomebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something
They want to %s the prisoners
verb frames
Somebody ----s somethingSomebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something
They want to %s the prisoners
lexical pointers
derivationally related form
semantic pointers
hypernym
hyponym
compel to behave in a certain way
<verb.social> freq. cnt.: 19 freq. cnt.: 12 freq. cnt.: 7
constrain enforce impose
sample sentences
"Social relations impose courtesy""duty constrains one to act often contrary to one's desires or inclinations"
verb frames
Somebody ----s somethingverb frames
Somebody ----s something
lexical pointers
derivationally related form
semantic pointers
hypernym