Constringere

Constringere is a Latin verb of the third conjugation meaning to press together, bind tightly, or tighten; to compress; and, by extension, to constrain or confine. It can denote physical tightening, as when cords are drawn tight, or a narrowing of an opening, as in the constriction of vessels. It is also used metaphorically for restraining actions, speech, or liberty.

Etymology and principal parts: The form comes from prefix con- meaning together, combined with stringere, to bind or draw tight. The standard principal parts are constringo, constringere, constrinxī, constrictum. As a regular third-conjugation verb, it forms its other tenses and voices in the expected patterns (present, imperfect, perfect, etc., with corresponding passive forms).

Usage notes: In classical Latin, constringere appears in both literal and figurative contexts, ranging from fastening objects to restraining or limiting something abstract. In medical or anatomical language it can describe the narrowing or squeezing of vessels or passages. The root also yields related nouns in Latin and is the source of English terms such as constriction, reflecting the same semantic core.

See also: The verb is derived from stringere and is closely related to conjugations and derivatives of constringere. Related Latin terms and their English cognates center on the idea of drawing tight, binding, or compressing.