To make narrow. In narrow circuit, straitend by a foe.

To contract; to confine; as, to straiten the British commerce.

To make tense or tight; as, to straiten a cord.

To distress; to perplex; to press with poverty or other necessity; as, aman straitened in his circumstances.

To press by want of sufficient room. Waters when straitened, as at the falls of bridges, give a roaring noise.