Webster's English Dictionary

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constraint

con.straint \k*n-'stra-nt\ n [ME, fr. MF constrainte, fr. constraindre] 1a: 
   the act of constraining : the state of being constrained : COMPU LSION; 
   also : RESTRAINT 1b: a constraining agency or force : CHECK  2a: repression 
   of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions  2b: a sense of being 
   constrained : EMBARRASSMENT