French word

contraindre

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃tʁɛ̃dʁ/

Meaning

  • verbforce

Example

Il m'a contraint à parler.

He forced me to speak.

Illustration for contraindre (force)

More examples

On ne peut pas contraindre quelqu'un à changer d'avis.

You cannot compel someone to change their mind.

Core concept

An outside force narrows a person's choices until one action becomes the only practical path.

Common phrases

  • contraindre quelqu'un à + infinitif

    compel someone to ___

  • contraindre par la force

    compel by force

  • contraindre quelqu'un à accepter

    compel someone to accept

Similar words

forcer: Compel someone to move or act by applying strong force or pressure.
obliger: Require someone to act because duty or necessity demands it.
pousser: Encourage someone to take a particular action through words or circumstances.
imposer: Make someone accept one's wishes or terms against their will.

Definition in French

Obliger quelqu'un à faire quelque chose en limitant sa liberté de choix, parfois par la loi.

Word origin

French contraindre comes through Old French from Latin constringere, meaning 'to bind tightly', whose physical sense developed into pressure and coercion.

Usage tips

  • The common pattern is contraindre quelqu'un à + infinitive, while the passive uses être contraint de + infinitive; the verb has a formal register.

Other meanings

  • restrainverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word