[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/constrict/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [C](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/c/) / constrict

# constrict

verb (constrict, constricts, constricted, constricting)

«constrict» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To make something narrower or tighter by squeezing it: «The snake constricted its prey». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#m1)
2. (body) When blood vessels, pupils of the eye or airways get narrower: «Cold makes blood vessels constrict». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#m2)
3. To limit what someone can do: «Tight rules constricted the players». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#m3)

### In the lessons

In science, a boa constrictor or python kills by constricting (squeezing) its prey; in the body, blood vessels constrict in cold weather to keep heat in, and airways constrict during an asthma attack (an inhaler helps them open). In stories, a «constricted throat» or «tight, constricting clothes» show fear or discomfort. Phrases: «constrict blood vessels», «a constricted throat», «constricting clothes».

### Examples

- The python constricts its prey until it stops breathing. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#x1)
- In the cold, the blood vessels in your fingers constrict. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#x2)
- During an asthma attack, the airways constrict, so it is hard to breathe. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#x3)
- His throat constricted with fear. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#x4)
- The tight collar constricted her neck. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#x5)
- Bright light makes the pupils of your eyes constrict. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#x6)
- Too many rules can constrict creativity. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/#x7)

### Note

The noun is «constriction» and a snake that does this is a «constrictor». The opposite in the body is «dilate» (to get wider). Do not confuse with «restrict» (to limit by rules) or «construct» (to build).

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «constrict» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/constrict/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«constrict» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/constrict.html) on Mova free.