constrict
To narrow, especially by application of pressureTo narrow, especially by application of pressure.
» Social hierarchies serve to constrict freedom of choice.
Meaning
3 senses(ambitransitive)To narrow, especially by application of pressure.
constrict the airway
constrict blood vessels
einengen, verengen
To coil around (prey) in order to asphyxiate it. (of a snake)
The snake began to constrict its prey.
(figuratively)To limit or restrict.
- become tight or as if tight
- squeeze or press together
Examples
3 sentencesSocial hierarchies serve to constrict freedom of choice.
What's the name of that snake that kills its prey by constricting it?
The way is constricted.
Translations
4 languagesBy meaning 1
Origin
Borrowed from Latin cōnstrictus (“compressed, contracted”), past participle of cōnstringōBorrowed from Latin cōnstrictus (“compressed, contracted”), past participle of cōnstringō (“to draw or bind together; to compress”). Doublet of constrain.
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
constricts, constricting, constricted, constricted| Base form | constrict · to constrict |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | constricts |
| Present participle | constricting |
| Past simple | constricted |
| Past participle | constricted |
regular · Lesson
Synonyms
8 synonymsWord family
11 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, regular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle