1. A limiting condition, rule, or factor that controls what is possible or permissible
   "a metal constraint prevented the gate from opening fully"; "Budget constraints forced cuts in spending";
   - restriction, limitation
    
2. The state of being physically constrained
   "dogs should be kept under constraint";
   - restraint
    
3. A device or mechanism that limits or prevents motion
   "The safety constraint prevented the machine from operating when the door was open";
   - restraint
    
4. The act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behaviour of others
   "The government's constraint on free speech was widely criticized"
    
5. (mathematics) a condition that a solution to a problem must satisfy
   "The optimization problem had several constraints"

Derived forms: constraints

Type of: confinement, device, regulation, restriction, rule

Encyclopedia: Constraint