constrict

/kənˈstrɪkt/ (bre, ipa) · [kənstrˈɪkt] /kənˈstrɪkt/ (ame, ipa) · [kənstrˈɪkt] /kən-ˈstrikt/ (ame, mw)

constrict — verb

  • constrictpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • constrictshe / she / it
  • constrictedpast simple
  • constricting-ing form

1. to press or squeeze something so that it becomes narrower or tighter, or to beco

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to press or squeeze something so that it becomes narrower or tighter, or to become narrower or tighter in this way — for example, a snake constricting its prey, or a blood vessel constricting in response to cold.

例句

A python killed the rat by constricting its body until it could not breathe.

constrict + noun phrase (body part) for physical squeezing

The nurse wrapped the bandage too tightly, and it began to constrict Adina's arm.

同義詞
  • squeeze

    more general; does not necessarily imply becoming narrower

  • compress

    more technical; suggests pressing from all sides

  • tighten

    focuses on the result of becoming tight, not the squeezing action

反義詞
  • expand

    to become larger in size or volume

  • dilate

    specific to openings like blood vessels or pupils becoming wider

文法句型

constrict + noun phrase

noun phrase + constrict

用法筆記

Frequently used in medical and biological contexts. The intransitive form often describes automatic bodily responses (blood vessels constricting, pupils constricting). The transitive form typically has an agent deliberately applying pressure.

常見錯誤

❌The snake constructed its prey.
✅The snake constricted its prey.
💡'Construct' means to build; 'constrict' means to squeeze tight.

2. to limit or control an activity, a person's freedom, or the development of somet

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to limit or control an activity, a person's freedom, or the development of something so that it cannot grow or happen freely — for example, tight rules constricting what students can study, or a lack of funds constricting a business.

例句

Strict zoning laws have constricted the city's ability to build new housing.

constrict + ability/opportunity (abstract object)

Mei felt that her parents' expectations were constricting her choices about what career to pursue.

同義詞
  • restrict

    most common synonym; slightly less dramatic in tone

  • limit

    very common; can apply to quantity, size, or freedom

  • curb

    suggests holding back something undesirable

反義詞
  • expand

    to increase in scale or scope

  • free

    to remove restrictions from

文法句型

constrict + noun phrase

be constricted by + noun phrase

用法筆記

This sense is always transitive and the subject is usually an external force (rules, lack of resources, social norms). Distinguish from sense 1: here the meaning is abstract limitation, not physical squeezing.

常見錯誤

❌The new rules will constrict that we cannot work late.
✅The new rules will constrict our ability to work late.
💡'Constrict' takes a noun phrase as object, not a that-clause.