Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To make strait; to make narrow; hence, to contract; to confine.2. (v. t.) To make tense, or tight; to tighten. 3. (v. t.) To restrict; to distress or embarrass in respect of means or conditions of life; -- used chiefly in the past participle; -- as, a man straitened in his circumstances. Thesaurus arrest bottle up bound box in box up bridle cabin casket check cloister closet coffin condition confine constrain constrict contain contract control cool cool off copyright cramp crib curb curtail decelerate diminish discipline dompt draw in draw the line encase enjoin entomb go in govern guard hedge about hinder hold hold at bay hold back hold fast hold in hold in check hold in leash hold up immure inhibit keep keep back keep from keep in keep in check keep under control lay under restraint limit moderate narrow patent prohibit pull pull in qualify register rein rein in restrain restrict retard retrench scant set back slow down snape snub specialize stint taper withhold |