To constrict means to make narrower, tighter, or more restricted, often referring to a physical or metaphorical squeezing or compression. This can involve a physical reduction in size, such as narrowing a blood vessel, or a limitation on movement or freedom. The process of constricting implies a deliberate or natural action that limits space or flow. This can also relate to a psychological state of feeling restrained or inhibited. Furthermore, it can refer to anything that reduces, shrinks, or compresses, whether literally or figuratively, as the subject of constricting can be broad.
Constricts meaning with examples
- The tourniquet constricts the blood flow to the injured limb, slowing the bleeding and buying the medical team time to treat the wound. Doctors are trained to remove the tourniquet in order to restore circulation when the time has come, and this has given way to many other different compression techniques. In this way, constricting can be both beneficial and problematic.
- As the python constricts its prey, it squeezes the animal with immense force, cutting off its blood supply and eventually causing asphyxiation. The muscles in the python's body contract and tighten around its prey, in a process of constriction that is highly efficient. If a snake is not able to constrict its prey, then the process of ingestion will take much longer.
- The company's strict new policies **constrict** employees' creativity and limit their ability to make independent decisions, which in turn, is counterproductive. Employees now have a much harder time trying to achieve any individual goals, and this has had a negative effect on the company's growth, as a whole, slowing it down.
- Fear constricts the throat, making it difficult to speak or breathe freely in a state of panic. It is often very difficult to think clearly when one is in this state, since the mind is also feeling constricted. Over time this psychological state can be very difficult to move on from and seek proper help to resolve this, if the fear is overwhelming.
- The economic downturn constricts spending power, forcing consumers to tighten their belts and reduce non-essential purchases. The demand for certain goods may have seen a change, but many staples are likely to remain as they are. Many people are forced into taking out a loan in a time of economic trouble, which can create a snowball effect.
Constricts Crossword Answers
7 Letters
NARROWS