constraint
/kənˈstreɪnt
/noun
1A limitation or restriction: time constraints make it impossible to do everything the availability of water is the main constraint on food production...
- Such constraints restrict the effectiveness of all humanitarian interventions.
- Some of the externally imposed limitations and constraints on our actions are evident to us.
- Foundation trusts will be subject to fewer checks and constraints over their actions.
Synonyms
restriction, limitation, curb, check, restraint, control, curtailment, damper, rein;
hindrance, impediment, hampering, obstruction, handicap
1.1 [mass noun] Stiffness of manner and inhibition in relations between people: they would be able to talk without constraint...
- Then you help the person develop strategies to overcome that social constraint.
- How good it would feel to be without constraint to spread the good news of the gospel to those who never saw the need for it.
- If a king is seeking freedom from constraint through disguise, the greatest freedom is to be had through disguising himself as a beggar.
Synonyms
inhibition, uneasiness, embarrassment;
restraint, reservedness, reticence, guardedness, formality, stand-offishness;
self-consciousness, awkwardness, forcedness, unnaturalness, woodenness, stiltedness
Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'coercion'): from Old French constreinte, feminine past participle of constraindre (see constrain).