constrict

/kənˈstrɪkt/

/kənˈstrɪkt/

Other forms: constricted; constricting; constricts

To constrict is to squeeze uncomfortably. If your new turtleneck sweater constricts your neck, the sweater is probably too small.

When things constrict, they become narrow or make something else become narrow. A boa constrictor kills its prey when it constricts the animal's body until it can no longer breathe, and a necktie that's tied too tightly constricts your neck. In medicine, certain conditions or medications can constrict openings such as airways or blood vessels, sometimes dangerously. The Latin root is constringere, "to bind together or tie tightly."

Definitions of constrict

1. verb

   squeeze or press together
   synonyms: compact, compress, contract, press, squeeze

   types:

   choke, strangle

   constrict (someone's) throat and keep from breathing

   prim

   contract one's lips

   astringe

   constrict or bind or draw together

   strangulate

   constrict a hollow organ or vessel so as to stop the flow of blood or air

   convulse

   contract involuntarily, as in a spasm

   convulse

   cause to contract

   bear down, overbear

   contract the abdominal muscles during childbirth to ease delivery

   choke, fret, gag

   be too tight; rub or press

   choke, scrag

   wring the neck of

   type of:

   tighten

   become tight or tighter
2. verb

   become tight or as if tight
   “Her throat constricted”

   synonyms: constringe, narrow

   types:

   astringe

   become constricted or compressed

   strangulate

   become constricted

   type of:

   tighten

   become tight or tighter
3. verb

   limit the range or extent of
   synonyms: inhibit

   type of:

   bound, confine, limit, restrain, restrict, throttle, trammel

   place limits on (extent or access)