constrict

verb

con·strict kən-ˈstrikt

constricted; constricting; constricts

Synonyms of constrict next

transitive verb

: to make narrow or draw together

Smoking constricts blood vessels.

: compress, squeeze

constrict a nerve

These shoes are too small and they constrict my feet.

: to stultify, stop, or cause to falter : inhibit

The expectation of violence constricts our lives.—

Marge Piercy

intransitive verb

: to become constricted

The drug causes the blood vessels to constrict.

constrictive

kən-ˈstrik-tiv

adjective

Did you know?

Arteries constricted by cholesterol slow the flow of blood, just as traffic arteries or highways constricted by accidents slow the flow of traffic. But constriction isn't always physical. Economic growth may be constricted by trade barriers. A narrow, constricted life may be the result of poverty or lack of opportunity. And an actress may feel constricted by a role she played as a child or by her TV character from years ago, which the public refuses to forget.

Choose the Right Synonym for constrict

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of constrict in a Sentence

The drug is used to constrict blood vessels. The declining economy has constricted job opportunities. a life constricted by poverty and disease He felt constricted by their notions of what was proper.

Recent Examples on the Web Tighten the waist belt so the buckle remains centered on your body such that the belt is snug but not overly constricting. —

Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024 This is because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that might constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow throughout the body. —

Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024 The 10-year-old was suffering from low blood pressure, low heart rate, extreme exhaustion and sleepiness and constricted blood vessels leading to her hospitalization, court documents show. —

Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2024 The Legislature and governor have – in a useful but limited manner – worked to address the root cause – building regulations that constrict housing construction. —

The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for constrict

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constrict.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin constrictus, past participle of constringere — see constrain

First Known Use

1732, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of constrict was in 1732

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Constrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constrict. Accessed 17 Sep. 2024.

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Kids Definition

constrict

verb

con·strict kən-ˈstrikt

: to make or become narrower or smaller by drawing together : squeeze, tighten

constrictive

-ˈstrik-tiv

adjective

Medical Definition

constrict

transitive verb

con·strict kən-ˈstrikt

: to make narrow or draw together

constrict the pupil of the eye

: to subject (as a body part) to compression

constrict a nerve

intransitive verb

: to become constricted

constrictive

-ˈstrik-tiv

adjective

Last Updated: 8 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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constrict

verb

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Synonyms

Examples of constrict in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near constrict

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition