Synonyms:
constraint
Meaning: the act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others
Synonyms:
restraint, constraint
Meaning: a device that retards something's motion; "the car did not have proper restraints fitted"
Synonyms:
constraint, restraint
Meaning: the state of being physically constrained; "dogs should be kept under restraint"
Usage examples
An air of artificial constraint
A slight air of constraint appeared and Harry was glad when the dinner was over.
That constraint which at first she had attributed to reserve, but which of late she had ascribed to modesty, now entirely quitted him.
Then it occurred to him that there might have been something misleading in his so pointedly seeking her, and he felt a momentary constraint.
He seeks society, but dislikes constraint and monotony; he is an imitator, but fond of his own ideas, and passionately in love with his works.
At one time he would suddenly yield to his humble, venerable friend, murmuring grievously at the constraint that was put upon him, but without spirit enough even to complain of it with energy.
This was the first time they had come together since the afternoon of revelation, and there was a moment of constraint during which Silas tugged at his streaked beard and looked with mournful wistfulness at his son.
Toiling in the midst of a dense thicket, among a tangle of dead leaves and twigs, she may well produce a very inaccurate piece of work; but compel her to labour when free from all impediment: she will then--I am convinced of it beforehand--apply her talents without constraint and show herself an adept in the building of graceful nests.
Whether it was that the descending twilight dispelled the painful constraint under which Marston had seemed to labor, or that some more purely spiritual and genial influence had gradually dissipated the repulsion and distrust with which, at first, he had shrunk from a renewal of intercourse with Dr. Danvers, he suddenly accosted him thus.
During the first scenes, the voice of the Incognita was hardly audible. The constraint of her forced attendance, and the insurmountable awkwardness of her situation, made all exertion difficult, and her tones were so languid, and her pronunciation was so inarticulate, that Elinor began seriously to believe that she must still have recourse to Mr Creek.