constraint
[noun]
Synonyms:
- restriction, check, curb, deterrent, hindrance, limitation, rein
- force, coercion, compulsion, necessity, pressure, restraint

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Related Words: repression, suppression, driving, impelling, impulsion, goad, motive, spring, spur

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

con‧straint AC /kənˈstreɪnt/ noun
[Word Family: verb: constrain; noun: constraint]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: constrainte, from constraindre; ⇒ constrain]

1. [countable] something that limits your freedom to do what you want Synonym : restriction
constraint on
Constraints on spending have forced the company to rethink its plans.
the constraints of family life
financial/environmental/political etc constraints
There have been financial and political constraints on development.
impose/place constraints on somebody/something
constraints imposed on teachers by large class sizes

2. [uncountable] control over the way people are allowed to behave, so that they cannot do what they want:
freedom from constraint

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

constraint
noun
ADJ. important, major | severe, tight The government has placed tight constraints on spending this year.
budget, financial
VERB + CONSTRAINT impose, place, put | remove
PREP. within a/the ~ We have to work within severe constraints.
without ~ I felt free to speak to her without constraint.
~ on/upon There are major financial constraints on all schools.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

constraint

financial/legal/economic etc constraints
During the war, there were many physical and social constraints on citizens.
time constraints (=the limited amount of time that is available)
Exams are always done under strict time constraints.
budget constraints (=the limited amount of money that is available)
With any new project, you have to be aware of the budget constraints.
a major constraint
In Egypt, the shortage of land and water is a major constraint on agriculture.
a serious/severe constraint
The country's debts put serious constraints on its economic growth.
a tight constraint (=a strict limit)
They were operating within tight financial constraints.
an important constraint
Their religious beliefs were an important constraint on their behaviour.
impose constraints on somebody/something
You have to work within the constraints that the software imposes.
place/put constraints on somebody/something
Lack of funding is putting severe constraints on research.
free somebody/something from constraints
Summer vacation is a time when children are freed from the constraints of routine.
be subject to constraints (=be limited by them)
Teachers are subject to the constraints of the examination system.
be free from constraints (=not be limited by them)
No film producers are free from the constraints of censorship.
given the constraints on something (=because there are particular constraints on something)
Given the constraints on space in the city, most people live in tiny apartments.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲