to restrict or confine in scope, range, etc.; hamper
2.
to bring into difficulties; cause to be in distress or want
usually in the phrase in straitened circumstances, lacking sufficient money
Examples of 'straiten' in a sentence
straiten
Awards made under an extraordinarily lavish arrangement agreed by investors during less straitened times will remain intact.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Our straitened circumstances are a blessing in disguise and a chance to put that right.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In these straitened times it would be a very sensible way of reducing government spending.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Can the country really afford such a change in these straitened economic times?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Beneath the spin lay evidence of straitened times at central office.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The club have been forced by straitened circumstances to throw in too many of theiracademy products too early.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It is a straight financial calculation that a crucial support for the wider economy is now in straitened circumstances.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In straitened circumstances we must all learn to cut our coats according to our cloths, right?
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He could not refuse, when he knew how straitened were the circumstances of his parents.
William Thackeray Vanity Fair (1837)
But while she enjoyed the limelight, it did little to help her straitened circumstances.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
These are terribly straitened times, and budgets across government need to be scrutinised.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Are you aware how small his means are, and of the straitened circumstances of his widow?
William Thackeray Vanity Fair (1837)
In these straitened times, it is unsurprising that he welcomed advice from outside the establishment.
Malcolm Balen A VERY ENGLISH DECEIT: The Secret History of the South Sea Bubble and the First GreatFinancial Scandal (2002)
In straitened times it makes sense not only to drink less, but to drink smarter.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
If these are straitened times, the newly anointed business secretary wants to do his bit.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It is how a celebrity is used that has changed between the past few years of opulence and today's straitened times.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
In these straitened times, a holiday home that sits empty for much of the year is a luxury too far for many people.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There are some things that governments in straitened circumstances have to do, whetheror not they meet the approval of the artistic and religious establishment.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The councils won't clear them and why should they, especially in these straitened times?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is only understandable that, in straitened circumstances, people hug the thought that charity begins at home.