constrict
verb/kənˈstɹɪkt/
Etymology Borrowed from Latin cōnstrictus (“compressed, contracted”), past participle of cōnstringō (“to draw or bind together; to compress”). Doublet of constrain.
1
Ambitransitive To narrow, especially by application of pressure.
- constrict the airway
- constrict blood vessels
1 more example
- Clothing that is too tight can constrict blood flow.
2
To coil around (prey) in order to asphyxiate it. (of a snake)
- The snake began to constrict its prey.
3
Figuratively To limit or restrict.
- Derived terms
- constrictive, hyperconstrict, nonconstricting, reconstrict, unconstrict, vasoconstrict
- Related terms
- constraint, constriction, constrictor, restrict, strict