CONSTRAIN, v.t. [L., to strain, to bind. See Strain.] In a general sense, to strain; to press; to urge; to drive; to exert force, physical or moral, either in urging to action or in restraining it. Hence,
1. To compel or force; to urge with irresistible power, or with a power sufficient to produce the effect.The spirit within me constraineth me. Job 32.I was constrained to appeal to Caesar. Acts 28.For the love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Corinthians 5.2. To confine by fore; to restrain from escape or action; to repress.My sire in caves constrains the winds.3. To hold by force; to press; to confine.How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.4. To constringe; to bind.When winter frosts constrain the field with cold.5. To tie fast; to bind; to chain; to confine.He binds in chains the drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.6. To necessitate.Did fate or we the adulterous act constrain?7. To force; to ravish. [Not used.]8. To produce in opposition to nature; as a constrained voice; constrained notes.