constrict
verb
con·strict
kən-ˈstrikt 
constricted; constricting; constricts
1
2
: to stultify, stop, or cause to falter : inhibit
The expectation of violence constricts our lives.—
Marge Piercy
Marge Piercy
: to become constricted
The drug causes the blood vessels to constrict.
Did you know?
Arteries constricted by cholesterol slow the flow of blood, just as traffic arteries or highways constricted by accidents slow the flow of traffic. But constriction isn't always physical. Economic growth may be constricted by trade barriers. A narrow, constricted life may be the result of poverty or lack of opportunity. And an actress may feel constricted by a role she played as a child or by her TV character from years ago, which the public refuses to forget.
Examples of constrict in a Sentence
The drug is used to constrict blood vessels.
The declining economy has constricted job opportunities.
a life constricted by poverty and disease
He felt constricted by their notions of what was proper.
Recent Examples on the Web
Magnesium deficiency can cause these vessels to constrict, and when coupled with emotional stress, this can result in headaches and migraines.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
When zipped closed, the collar effectively sealed in warmth without feeling constricting.
—Kelly Bastone, Outside Online, 31 Oct. 2024
Raynaud’s phenomenon, also called Raynaud’s syndrome, is a condition that causes the small blood vessels in the extremities to constrict.
—John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Now, the important job of constricting algae — of giving corals a better shot at growing and recovering from die-offs — has fallen to certain vegetarian fish, including the parrotfish.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constrict 
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Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
When zipped closed, the collar effectively sealed in warmth without feeling constricting.
—Kelly Bastone, Outside Online, 31 Oct. 2024
Raynaud’s phenomenon, also called Raynaud’s syndrome, is a condition that causes the small blood vessels in the extremities to constrict.
—John Loeppky, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Now, the important job of constricting algae — of giving corals a better shot at growing and recovering from die-offs — has fallen to certain vegetarian fish, including the parrotfish.
—Benji Jones, Vox, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constrict
Dictionary Entries Near constrict
Cite this Entry
“Constrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constrict. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
constrict
verb
con·strict
kən-ˈstrikt
Medical Definition
constrict
transitive verb
con·strict
kən-ˈstrikt
1
: to make narrow or draw together
constrict the pupil of the eye
2
: to subject (as a body part) to compression
constrict a nerve
: to become constricted
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