pachydermatous
EnglishMerriam-Webster DictionaryEnglishMerriam-Webster DictionaryAntonyms
constraint
Definition
- : the act of constraining: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action //… the constraint and monotony of a monastic life … — Matthew Arnold //a life of invalidism and constraint: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check //put legal constraints on the board's activities //Budget constraints have forced me to revise my travel plans.
- : repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions //emotional constraint: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment //"… a constraint between us as if we were strangers …" — John P. Marquand
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
continence discipline discretion inhibition refrainment repression reserve restraint self-command self-control self-restraint suppressionAntonyms
disinhibition incontinence unconstraintExamples
- //Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.
- //They demand freedom from constraint.
- //They refuse to work under constraint any longer.
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1aHistory and Etymology
Middle English, from Middle French constrainte, from constraindre — see constrainconstraint
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms
- the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others //in civilized society people do not just say or do whatever they feel like—they exercise some constraintSynonymsRelated WordsNear AntonymsAntonyms
- something that limits one's freedom of action or choice //put legal constraints on the board's activitiesRelated Words
- the use of power to impose one's will on another //parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parentsSynonymsRelated Words