KJV Dictionary Definition: constrain

constrain

CONSTRAIN, v.t. L., to strain, to bind. See Strain. In a general sense, to strain; to press; to urge; to drive; to exert force, physical or moral, either in urging to action or in restraining it. Hence,

1. To compel or force; to urge with irresistible power, or with a power sufficient to produce the effect.

The spirit within me constraineth me. Job 32.

I was constrained to appeal to Caesar. Acts 28.

For the love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Corinthians 5.

2. To confine by fore; to restrain from escape or action; to repress.

My sire in caves constrains the winds.

3. To hold by force; to press; to confine.

How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.

4. To constringe; to bind.

When winter frosts constrain the field with cold.

5. To tie fast; to bind; to chain; to confine.

He binds in chains the drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.

6. To necessitate.

Did fate or we the adulterous act constrain?

7. To force; to ravish. Not used.

8. To produce in opposition to nature; as a constrained voice; constrained notes.

constrainable

CONSTRAINABLE, a. That may be constrained, forced, or repressed; liable to constraint, or to restraint.

constrained

CONSTRAINED, pp. Urged irresistibly or powerfully; compelled; forced; restrained; confined; bound; imprisoned; necessitated.

constrainer

CONSTRAINER, n. One who constrains.

constraining

CONSTRAINING, ppr. Urging with irresistible or powerful force; compelling; forcing; repressing; confining; holding by force; pressing; binding.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
Previous word: constellate. Next word: constraint.