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| con·straint [ kən stráynt ] (plural con·straints) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. limiting factor: something that limits freedom of action
  Even in a free society individual liberty must be subject to certain constraints.
budgetary constraints
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2. state of restriction: a state in which freedom of action is severely restricted
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3. lack of spontaneity: a lack of warmth and spontaneity in somebody's manner or in the atmosphere on a particular occasion
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| [14th century. < French constreinte, feminine past participle of constraindre (see constrain)] |
