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,

To compel or force; to urge with irresistible power, or with a power sufficient to produce the effect. The spirit within me constraineth me]ob 32:18. I was constrained to appeal to Caesar. Acis 28:79. For the love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Corinthians 5:14.

To confine by fore; to restrain from escape or action; to repress. My sire in caves constrains the winds.

To hold by force; to press; to confine. How the strait stays the slender waist constrain.

To constringe; to bind. When winter frosts constrain the field with cold.

To tie fast; to bind; to chain; to confine. He binds in chains the drowsy prophet, and his limbs constrains.

To necessitate. Did fate or we the adulterous act constrain?1é

To force; to ravish.

To produce in opposition to nature; as a constrained voice; constrained notes.