Con‐strain″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Constrained (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Constraining.] [OF. constraindre, F. contrainde, L. constringere; con- + stringere to draw tight. See Strain, and. cf. Constrict, Constringe.] 1. To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold tightly; to constringe.
He binds in chains
The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.
Dryden.
When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold.
Dryden.
2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
Gay.
3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.
My sire in caves constrains the winds.
Dryden.
4. To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige.
The love of Christ constraineth us.
2. Cor. v. 14.
I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar.
Acts xxviii. 19.
5. To violate; to ravish. Shak.
6. To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effect; as, a constrained voice.
Syn. — To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press.