constrained

Adjective
Synonyms: forcedstrained

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (1)

  1. lacking spontaneity; not natural“a constrained smile”“forced heartiness”“a strained smile”Synonyms: forcedstrained
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Constrain \Con*strain"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Constrained; p. pr. & vb. n. Constraining.] [OF. constraindre, F. contrainde, L. constringere; con- + stringere to draw tight. See Strain, and. cf. Constrict, Constringe.]

1.To secure by bonds; to chain; to bond or confine; to hold tightly; to constringe. [1913 Webster]

He binds in chains The drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]
When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

2.To bring into a narrow compass; to compress. [1913 Webster]

How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.— Gay.[1913 Webster]

3.To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress. [1913 Webster]

My sire in caves constrains the winds.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

4.To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige. [1913 Webster]

The love of Christ constraineth us.— 2. Cor. v. 14.[1913 Webster]
I was constrained to appeal unto C[ae]sar.— Acts xxviii. 19.[1913 Webster]

5.To violate; to ravish. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

6.To produce in such a manner as to give an unnatural effect; as, a constrained voice.

Syn: To compel; force; drive; impel; urge; press. [1913 Webster]


Constrained \Con*strained"\, a. Marked by constraint; not free; not voluntary; embarrassed; as, a constrained manner; a constrained tone. [1913 Webster]
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