/kən'streɪnt; kən`strent/
n
1 [U] con-straining or being constrained 约束; 强制
*act under constraint, ie because one is forced to do so 受逼迫而行动.
2 [C] ~ (on sth) thing that limits or restricts 限制性或约束性的事物
*There are no constraints on your choice of subject for the essay, ie You can choose whatever subject you like. 文章内容不拘, 你可任选.
3 [U] (fml 文) strained manner; unwillingness to be friendly; uneasiness 不自然的态度; 假情假意; 拘束感
*I was aware of a certain constraint on their part when they were in my presence. 我觉察到我在时他们有些拘束.

n
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French;Origin: constrainte, from constraindre; CONSTRAIN]
[C]
something that limits your freedom to do what you want
= restrictionconstraint on
　Constraints on spending have forced the company to rethink its plans.
　the constraints of family life
financial/environmental/political etc constraints
　There have been financial and political constraints on development.
impose/place constraints on sb/sth
　constraints imposed on teachers by large class sizes
[U]
control over the way people are allowed to behave, so that they cannot do what they want
　freedom from constraint