He binds in chains The drowsy prophet, and his limbs
constrains. --Dryden.
When winter frosts constrain the fields with cold.
--Dryden.
2. To bring into a narrow compass; to compress.
How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.
--Gay.
3. To hold back by force; to restrain; to repress.
My sire in caves constrains the winds. --Dryden.
4. To compel; to force; to necessitate; to oblige.
The love of Christ constraineth us. --2. Cor. v.
14.
I was constrained to appeal unto C[ae]sar. --Acts
xxviii. 19.
5. To violate; to ravish. [Obs.] --Shak.
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.