constricted

Constricted is an adjective describing something that has been narrowed in diameter or otherwise restricted in extent. It can refer to physical spaces, objects, or conditions that have been made tighter or more limited. The term derives from the Latin constringere, meaning to bind together or compress.

In anatomy and physiology, constriction describes narrowing caused by muscular or tissue action. Vasoconstriction reduces the diameter of blood vessels, which can affect blood pressure and circulation. Bronchoconstriction narrows the airways in the lungs, potentially impacting breathing. Pupillary constriction, or miosis, reduces pupil size in bright light or in response to certain stimuli.

In everyday language, constricted can describe rules, budgets, or spaces that feel tight or limited, such as a constricted schedule, a constricted market, or a constricted life situation. The term is often used to convey a sense of reduced freedom or capacity compared with a more expansive alternative.

Constricted is often contrasted with the related concept of dilation or expansion, where margins, diameters, or allowances increase rather than decrease. The word is used across disciplines—from medicine to engineering to linguistics—to indicate a narrowing or binding effect that limits function, form, or movement.