constriction

/kənˈstrɪkʃən/

Other forms: constrictions

A constriction is a tight squeeze. If you have asthma, you know that the constriction of the airways makes it hard to breathe. If you’re a snake, you know that the constriction of a mouse makes a good dinner.

The word constriction comes from the Latin constringere for "compress," which is what constrictions do. If a hose is running and you squeeze it in the middle, that constriction cuts off the flow. A highway that goes from four lanes to one causes a constriction, or bottleneck. A constriction can also be a tight feeling in your body. If you’re afraid there’s a boa constrictor under your bed, you might feel a constriction in your chest.

Definitions of constriction

1. noun

   a narrowing that reduces the flow through a channel
   synonyms: bottleneck, chokepoint

   type of:

   narrowing

   an instance of becoming narrow
2. noun

   the action or process of compressing
   types:

   spasm

   (pathology) sudden constriction of a hollow organ (as a blood vessel)

   squeeze

   the act of forcing yourself (or being forced) into or through a restricted space

   strangulation

   (pathology) constriction of a body part so as to cut off the flow of blood or other fluid

   vasoconstriction

   decrease in the diameter of blood vessels

   bronchospasm

   a spasm of the bronchi that makes exhalation difficult and noisy; associated with asthma and bronchitis

   cardiospasm

   a spasm of the cardiac sphincter (between the esophagus and the stomach); if the cardiac sphincter does not relax during swallowing the passage of food into the stomach is obstructed

   heave, retch

   an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting

   laryngismus

   laryngeal spasm caused by the sudden contraction of laryngeal muscles

   type of:

   compressing, compression

   applying pressure
3. noun

   tight or narrow compression
   synonyms: coarctation

   type of:

   compression, condensation, contraction

   the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
4. noun

   a tight feeling in some part of the body
   “he felt a constriction in her chest”

   “emotion caused a constriction of his throat”

   synonyms: tightness

   type of:

   feeling

   a physical sensation that you experience