constrain

CONSTRAIN, verb transitive [Latin , to strain, to bind. See Strain.] In a general sense, to strain; to press; to urge; to drive; to exert force, physical or moral, either in urging to action or in restraining it. Hence, 1. To compel or force; to urge with irresistible power, or with a power sufficient to produce the effect. The spirit within me constraineth me. Job 32:18. I was constrained to appeal to Caesar. Acts 28:19. For the love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Corinthians 5:14. 2. To confine by fore; to restrain from escape or action; to repress. My sire in caves constrains the winds. 3. To hold by force; to press; to confine. How the strait stays the slender waist constrain 4. To constringe; to bind. When winter frosts constrain the field with cold. 5. To tie fast; to bind; to chain; to confine. He binds in chains the drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains. 6. To necessitate. Did fate or we the adulterous act constrain? 7. To force; to ravish. [Not used.] 8. To produce in opposition to nature; as a constrained voice; constrained notes.