constriction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; Technical (medical, engineering); Literary.
Quick answer
What does “constriction” mean?
The action or state of making something narrower, tighter, or more restricted.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or state of making something narrower, tighter, or more restricted; a feeling of tightness or pressure.
1. A physical narrowing or squeezing, as in a blood vessel or tube. 2. A limiting or restrictive condition, rule, or feeling. 3. A feeling of tightness in the throat or chest, often due to strong emotion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Slight preference for 'constriction' over 'stricture' in medical contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: restriction, tightness, limitation.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written, academic, and technical registers in both BrE and AmE. Comparable frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “constriction” in a Sentence
constriction of [NOUN] (e.g., constriction of the airways)constriction in [NOUN] (e.g., constriction in the chest)feel a constrictionlead to constrictionresult in constrictionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “constriction” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new regulations may constrict trade opportunities.
- Anxiety can constrict one's breathing.
American English
- The snake will constrict its prey.
- Tight budgets constrict our options.
adjective
British English
- She felt a constrictive band of pain around her head.
- The garment was unpleasantly constrictive.
American English
- They opposed the constrictive nature of the contract.
- Avoid constrictive clothing for exercise.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to market limitations, restrictive regulations, or cash flow tightening (e.g., 'fiscal constrictions').
Academic
Used in biology, medicine, engineering, and social sciences to describe physical narrowing or theoretical limitations.
Everyday
Most commonly describes a physical feeling of tightness, especially in the throat or chest, or a sense of being limited.
Technical
Precise term for the narrowing of a tube, vessel, or passage (e.g., 'pupillary constriction', 'flow constriction').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “constriction”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “constriction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “constriction”
- Misspelling as 'constriction' (wrong) or confusing with 'construction'.
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'constrict').
- Overusing in casual speech where 'tightness' or 'pressure' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. 'Constriction' is about tightening/narrowing, while 'construction' is about building.
Yes, it is common to describe a feeling of tightness in the throat or chest due to strong emotion (e.g., grief, fear) as a 'constriction'.
The main verb is 'to constrict'. 'Constriction' is the noun form.
In everyday and emotional contexts, it usually implies discomfort. In technical contexts (e.g., biology), it is a neutral descriptive term for a physiological process.
The action or state of making something narrower, tighter, or more restricted.
Constriction is usually formal; technical (medical, engineering); literary. in register.
Constriction: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈstrɪk.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈstrɪk.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A constriction in the throat (feeling of emotional tightness)”
- “To be under the constriction of (formal: to be limited by)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'strict' teacher making rules that CONSTRICT and narrow your freedom. CON-STRICTION.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE/ TIGHTNESS IS CONSTRAINT; FREEDOM/ BREATHING IS WIDENING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'constriction' used most NEUTRALLY?