Definitions for straiten
ˈstreɪt nstrait·en

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. straiten, distressverb

   bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship

2. straitenverb

   squeeze together

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. straitenverb

   To make strait; to narrow or confine to a smaller space.

   The channel straitened the river through the town, made it flow faster, and caused more flooding upstream.

2. straitenverb

   To restrict or diminish, especially financially.

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. To Straitenverb

   Etymology: from strait.

   1. To make narrow.

   The city of Sion has a secure haven, yet with something a dangerous entrance, straitened on the north side by the sea-ruined wall of the mole. George Sandys, Journey.

   If this be our condition, thus to dwell
   In narrow circuit, straiten ’d by a foe,
   Subtile or violent. John Milton, Paradise Lost.

   Whatever straitens the vessels, so as the channels become more narrow, must heat; therefore strait cloaths and cold baths, heat. John Arbuthnot, on Diet.

   2. To contract; to confine.

   The straitning and confining the profession of the common law, must naturally extend and enlarge the jurisdiction of the church. Edward Hyde.

   The landed man finds him aggrieved by the falling of his rents, and the streightning of his fortune, whilst the monied man keeps up his gain. John Locke.

   Feeling can give us a notion of all ideas that enter at the eye, except colours; but it is very much streightened and confined to the number, bulk, and distance of its objects. Addison.

   The causes which straiten the British commerce, will enlarge the French. Joseph Addison, State of the War.

   3. To make tight; to intend.

   Stretch them at their length,
   And pull the streighten’d cords with all your strength. Dryd.

   Morality, by her false guardians drawn,
   Chicane in furs, and casuistry in lawn,
   Gasps, as they straiten at each end the cord,
   And dies when dulness gives her page the word. Dunciad.

   4. To deprive of necessary room.

   Waters when straitned as in the falls of bridges, give a roaring noise. Francis Bacon, Natural History.

   He could not be streightned in room or provisions, or compelled to fight. Edward Hyde.

   Several congregations find themselves very much straitned, and if the mode encrease, I wish it may not drive many ordinary women into meetings. Joseph Addison, Spectator.

   5. To distress; to perplex.

   Men by continually striving and fighting to enlarge their bounds, and encroaching upon one another, seem to be straitned for want of room. John Ray.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. straiten

   Straiten generally means to make narrow, confine, restrict or limit. It can also refer to being in a position of difficulty, hardship, or financial distress.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Straitenverb

   to make strait; to make narrow; hence, to contract; to confine

2. Straitenverb

   to make tense, or tight; to tighten

3. Straitenverb

   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

Matched Categories

1. • Confine
   • Trouble

Anagrams for straiten »

1. intreats

2. nitrates

3. tertians

How to pronounce straiten?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say straiten in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of straiten in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of straiten in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7